WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier Golden Hawks receiver Ryan Hughes has been recognized as one of the top Canadian university football prospects ahead of the 2027 CFL Draft, earning a spot in the top 20 of the preseason edition of the Canadian Football League (CFL) Scouting Bureau rankings.
The fourth-year receiver from Mississauga, Ont., was ranked No. 17 among the 20 prospects named by the bureau, a list compiled by CFL scouts, player personnel directors and general managers from the league's nine clubs. Hughes was one of only two receivers included in the preseason rankings.
The CFL Scouting Bureau releases rankings three times annually, beginning in the fall with the start of the collegiate season, followed by a winter update ahead of postseason play and a final spring ranking after the CFL Combine.
Hughes enters the 2026 campaign following a breakout season that saw him earn his first career Ontario University Athletics (OUA) second-team all-star selection.
A key target in Laurier's high-powered offence, Hughes posted career highs with 529 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. He finished second on the Golden Hawks in both categories, while his touchdown total ranked second across the OUA.
Hughes was not the only Golden Hawk recognized by the CFL Scouting Bureau.
Linebacker Jessie Wilkins-Flaricee received an honourable mention after a dominant 2025 season that earned him his first career U SPORTS All-Canadian nod. The fourth-year music major from Windsor, Ont., was also the recipient of the OUA President's Trophy as the conference's outstanding stand-up defensive player.
Wilkins-Flaricee recorded career and team highs with 40.5 total tackles and ranked among the top 30 in U SPORTS in both solo and total tackles. He also led the nation with four fumble recoveries.
Former Laurier quarterback Cal Wither was also recognized with an honourable mention following a record-setting final season in purple and gold.
The first-time All-Canadian led U SPORTS in both passing touchdowns (26) and pass efficiency (190.7) in 2025. His 26 touchdown passes established a new Laurier single-season record and marked the second consecutive season the Golden Hawks led the country in that category.
"This is another great example of hard work paying off for these young men in our program," said Laurier manager of football operations and head coach Todd Galloway. "They've bought into team success and are now being recognized for their personal success. I am very excited to see what they do this fall on their respective sides of the ball."
The Golden Hawks officially kick off the 2026 season at University Stadium on Saturday August 29 at 6pm against the Guelph Gryphons. Single-game and season tickets are on sale now at tickets.laurierathletics.com
