Five Laurier Golden Hawks selected in 2026 CFL Draft

It’s been a big week for a few local athletes, all as five Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks have been selected in the 2026 Canadian Football League (CFL) Draft.

The CFL held its Canadian draft earlier in the week, selecting from amongst the top talent across the country.

For the Golden Hawks, it was a major event, with their earliest pick, Wide Receiver Jesulayomi Ojutalayo, being selected 26th overall in the third round by the Calgary Stampeders.

“We’re glad to have you. You had a hell of a combine,” said Receiving Coach with the Stampeders, Markus Howell, in a call to Ojutalayo that was posted to social media.

“Your interview as a young man was even more impressive. You’re a hell of a special teams player, you’re going to make a great addition to this football team.”

Ojutalayo is an economics major at Wilfrid Laurier University, but he wasn’t alone in his CFL selection.

Teammate and Offensive Lineman Spencer Walsh was taken 32nd overall in the fourth round by the Edmonton Elks, while the final three Golden Hawks were each taken in the final, eighth round of the draft.

Those include Linebacker Josh Connors being taken 66th overall by the Ottawa Redblacks, Fullback Sebastian Parsalidis selected 68th overall by the Toronto Argonauts, as well as Defensive Back Ryan Speight being selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders with the 74th overall pick.

The five selections from the local institution mark the largest draft class since 1987 for Laurier, with the 2026 CFL season set to get underway June 4.