Guided by a culture of loving, serving, and caring for one another, the University of Windsor's football program is gearing up for another historic season following a fourth straight playoff berth that saw Windsor host their first OUA semifinal game in 35 years and a summer that saw a school-best six Lancers get drafted to the Canadian Football League.
"This is the most consistent the program's ever been, and Windsor is a great place to get a fantastic education and develop high-level football players," said Lancer football head coach
Jean-Paul Circelli. "This offseason, we've accumulated probably the best roster this program's ever seen, so we have pretty high expectations going forward."
NOTABLE RETURNING PLAYERS
Ahmad Taylor, a Pontiac, Michigan native, academic All-Canadian, and incoming fourth year came up clutch in the biggest moments for the Lancers last season, posting eight sacks (2nd OUA/2nd U SPORTS), 26 total tackles, and three tackles for loss across eight regular season games and added 8.5 tackles and two sacks in two OUA playoff games.
The OUA and U SPORTS leader in sacks in 2025 with 8.5,
Braxton Johnson is entering his second season in the blue and gold. He had 23.5 total tackles and 10.5 tackles for a loss in eight regular season games and added two fumble recoveries.
"Everything starts with our defence. Johnson and Taylor were one and two in the country last year in the regular season for sacks," explained Circelli. "They really set the tone for what our defensive attitude is all about and the physicality we bring on a regular basis.
Dylan Simpson is entering his sophomore year in blue and gold after posting 34 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three interceptions last year, highlighted by a pick-six against Guelph last September. "I think he's one of the best linebackers in the country but didn't get the recognition he deserved last year," mentioned Circelli.
Weagbe Mombo was named an OUA second team all-star after a stellar 2025 season, posting 789 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns across eight regular season games. He scored the game-winning touchdown against Ottawa in the quarterfinals. The Toronto native appeared in preseason contents for the CFL's Toronto Argonauts this summer.
Brett Miller, the 6-foot-5 Faculty of Human Kinetics major, is every quarterback's best friend, highlighted by a freshman year that included OUA second team all-star and all-rookie team honours. "He's the biggest human out there. We call him the juggernaut," laughed Circelli.
2025 STAT LEADERS
Touchdowns: Nick Dimovski – 5
Passing yards: Nick Dimovski – 1657
Rushing yards: Weagbe Mombo – 703
Receiving yards: Colby Ginn – 382
Tackles: Ethan John – 42.5
Sacks: Braxton Johnson – 8.5
Interceptions: Dylan Simpson – 3
KEY MATCHUPS
September 6 vs Laurier
Windsor opens their 2026 home slate against the 2024 provincial champions to headline Welcome Week at Alumni Stadium. The Golden Hawks have a 29-4 record since 2023 and will have reigning OUA President's Award winner Jessie Wilkins back at defensive end.
"When our opponents come to Alumni Stadium, we talk about it being the end of the road and the end of the 401," said Circelli. "You have to put up or shut up because it's going to be a physical battle. Teams always leave here worse for wear," he added. "It's a similar mentality to what Dan Campbell has with the Detroit Lions."
September 12 vs Western
A historic rivalry returns to Alumni Stadium when the Mustangs take a trip down the 401 for the first time in 2026. The Lancers had a hard-fought loss last season, as their defense limited Western to no touchdowns and very little offensive impact, proving the Lancers can shut down top offenses.
September 26 vs Toronto
The Varsity Blues make their first appearance at Alumni Stadium since 2024. The Lancers have had the Blues number as of late, winning three straight and ten of 13 since 2009. Windsor has held Toronto to fewer than 15 points in each of the three recent wins, while scoring at least 34 points.
October 3 vs York
Windsor celebrates Alumni Weekend and Senior Day against the Toronto-based York Lions this season for their final regular season home game. The Lions haven't made the OUA playoffs since 2004, nor have they won more than three games in a season since 2002 (5). The Lancers currently hold a four-game winning streak against the Lions, including shutouts in 2023 and 2024.
Tickets for all home games are available for purchase at golancers.ca/tickets and games can be streamed online on OUA.TV.
