Giordano Vaccaro and Nathan Udoh heard their names called during the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft, increasing Manitoba's all-time CFL Canadian Draft total to 147 since 1963. 

Vaccaro, an offensive lineman, made history when he was taken No. 1 overall by Ottawa. It's the first time ever that a Bison was the first university player off the board. The Winnipeg native played for the Herd from 2022-24, starting all 27 games. He then transferred to Purdue for the 2025 season. 

In 2022, the St. Paul's High School grad became the first Bison in head coach Brian Dobie's 29-year tenure to start at left tackle as an 18-year-old true freshman. Vaccaro then started at guard each of the following two seasons, where he was a unanimous all-star selection, becoming the first Bison offensive lineman to earn back-to-back Canada West All-Star and First Team All-Canadian nods since Chris Bochen in 2001 and 2002. 

Vaccaro continued to add to his legacy in 2024 where he was named the JP Metras Award Winner as Lineman of the Year in U SPORTS. In doing so, Vaccaro became just the second offensive lineman in school history to earn the award, and first since Bart Evans in 1974. It was a record-breaking year on the offensive line for Vaccaro and company, helping the Herd set a school record, with 2,016 rushing yards, which also led the nation. That total broke a 29-year school best by 168 yards. 

"Gio was one of the finest players in the history of this program," said Bisons football head coach Stan Pierre.

"His selection in this year's CFL Draft is the culmination of a remarkable college career and we are proud to say he was a Bison."

Udoh, a receiver, went in the third round, 28th overall to Montreal. The Winnipeg native is coming off the best season of his U SPORTS career, earning a direct invite to the CFL National Combine after finishing in a tie for fifth in Canada West in receptions (40), and sixth in receiving yards (531). The former of those totals were eighth-most in a season in school history, and the latter tied for the 16th.

The Miles Mac grad also tied the single-game school record for receptions in a regular season contest, with 12 against Saskatchewan on September 13. He has 51 career regular season receptions as a Bison, and 648 regular season receiving yards. 

Udoh was extremely impressive during the combine, earning a shoutout from Montreal defensive back Louis-Philippe Gauthier, who said "we had some really good battles. He got me a couple times, but that's part of the game." Udoh's ability "to win reps and challenge coverage stood out against top defensive talent," which helped boost his draft stock. 

"Nathan's growth during his time at Manitoba has been impressive," said Pierre. 

"His work ethic is second to none in our program, and his selection today is a direct reflection of his character."