Two Wilfrid Laurier University players have been recognized as top prospects ahead of the 2027 CFL Draft. Wide receiver Ryan Hughes and linebacker Jessie Wilkins-Flaricee were included in the preseason edition of the Scouting Bureau rankings, which is compiled by CFL scouts, player personnel directors and general managers from the league’s clubs. Hughes, a fourth-year student from Mississauga, was 17th on the list of 20. He was one of only two wide receivers included in the rankings. The Golden Hawks said Hughes had a “breakout” season. “A key target in Laurier’s high-powered offence, Hughes posted career highs with 529 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025,” they wrote in a media release. “He finished second on the Golden Hawks in both categories, while his touchdown total ranked second across the OUA.” His teammate also received an honourable mention. Linebacker Jessie Wilkins-Flaricee, a fourth-year music major from Windsor, earned his first big recognition last season. “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,” the school said. “He also led the nation with four fumble recoveries.” A former Golden Hawk, quarterback Cal Wither, was also given an honourable mention. “The first-time All-Canadian led U SPORTS in both passing touchdowns (26) and pass efficiency (190.7) in 2025,” the team noted. “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.” Laurier’s regular season starts on Saturday when the Golden Hawks take on the University of Guelph at University Stadium.
