Saskatchewan Roughriders add 7 prospects, 2 locals in 2025 CFL Draft [Video]

After four seasons on the defensive line of Bowling Green State University, Ali Saad is getting his shot at professional football.

Saad was selected fourth overall by the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Tuesday night, taken as the team’s first round pick in the 2025 CFL Draft.

“I’m really excited honestly,” said Saad over Zoom to reporters on Tuesday. “My mom was actually crying, she was really proud of me and really excited for me. My dad is as well and I’m just really excited, my family is happy, I’m happy.”

The Windsor, Ont., product is coming off a career season at Bowling Green where he registered 40 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles.

Possessing a tantalizing combination of size and skill, the six-foot-three-inch, 280-pound defensive lineman was high on the Roughriders’ draft board according to general manager and VP of football operations Jeremy O’Day.

“Just someone that has versatility to play inside and outside,” said O’Day. …