With just three and a half months remaining until kickoff of the 2026 Ontario Football Conference season, the Sault College Cougars are preparing for their second year in the league with a renewed sense of purpose. Saultsports caught up with head coach Paul Orazietti to get his thoughts on what lies ahead after a solid 2025 campaign that saw the Cougars post a 4–4 record and earn a playoff berth. Their inaugural postseason run came to an end in a high-scoring matchup against the defending champion St. Clair Saints, falling 49–37 on October 11. Now, the focus shifts to 2026—so what can fans expect from the Cougars this season?
The 2026 season marks a significant step forward for the Sault College Cougars as they prepare for their second campaign in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC). After a foundational first year, Head Coach Mike Orazietti and his staff are focused on building a competitive, resilient program ready to take on what is shaping up to be one of the toughest seasons in recent memory.
According to Orazietti, parity across the league will define the 2026 season. “The thing that stands out is the parody in the league this year and how every game will be highly competitive,” he said. “We will be challenged as a second-year squad from our very first game in Hamilton to our last regular season game versus St. Clair.” That level of competition means there will be little room for error, with each week presenting a new test for a Cougars team still carving out its identity.
Year one served as a learning experience for the program, something Orazietti hopes will pay dividends this season. “I’m hoping that year one taught us how to deal with adversity and be resilient week in and week out while we remain process oriented,” he explained. That focus on consistency and growth will be critical as the Cougars look to take the next step in their development.
The season opener in Hamilton is already being circled as a pivotal moment. “I think week one versus Hamilton will go a long way in determining the trajectory of our team for this season,” said Orazietti. A strong start could set the tone for a confident and competitive year, while also reinforcing the culture the program is working to establish.
That culture is at the heart of everything the Cougars are building. Orazietti emphasized the importance of accountability and work ethic within the team. “I’m looking for a group that understands the sacrifices required to play in the OFC and to get better every week,” he said. “We are hoping to cultivate a mentality where nobody feels entitled to anything and we have a next man up attitude.” That mindset will be essential in navigating injuries, adversity, and the grind of a long season.
The Cougars roster will have a fresh look in 2026, with 35 new players joining the program. The influx of talent has created intense competition across the board, even leading to some difficult decisions involving returning veterans. However, Orazietti believes the changes have strengthened the team overall. “We have created a great mix of guys from across the country and internationally, including over 25 from the Sault,” he noted.
Beyond talent, the emphasis has been on character and leadership. “I think we have raised the bar on character and culture with our program, and I like the leaders that have emerged from our group over the past twelve months,” Orazietti added. With strong leadership in place and competition at every position, the Cougars are aiming to push each other daily and elevate the standard of play.
As the 2026 season approaches, expectations are grounded in growth, effort, and competitiveness. While results will ultimately define the year, the Cougars are determined to prove they can compete with anyone in the OFC. With a renewed roster, a stronger culture, and lessons learned from year one, Sault College is ready to take on the challenge—one game at a time.
2026 Sault Cougars OFC Schedule
August 8
4:00 p.m Sault Sabercats @ Ottawa Sooners (North Bay)
August 15
1:00 p.m Sault Cougars @ Hamilton Hurricanes
August 22
1:00 p.m Quinte Skyhawks @ Sault Cougars (Superior Heights)
August 29
1:00 p.m Sault Cougars @ Ottawa Sooners (Ottawa U)
September 5
7:00 p.m St Clair Saints @ Sault Cougars (Superior Heights)
September 12
1:00 p.m Ottawa Sooners @ Sault Cougars (Rocky DiPietro)
September 19
1:00 p.m Sault Cougars @ London Beefeaters
September 26
1:00 p.m London Beefeaters @ Sault Cougars (Superior Heights)
October 3
1:00 p.m Sault Cougars @ St Clair Saints (Acumen Stadium)
October 10
1:00 p.m OFC Semis
October 17
7:30 p.m OFC Finals
October 24
1:00 p.m National Semis – PFC @ OFC
November 11
National Finals @ BCFC
