A new-look Manitoba Bisons team didn't take long to make an impression.

In their 2026 season opener, the Bisons defeated the Saskatchewan Huskies 40-22, getting contributions from veterans and emerging playmakers alike while showcasing the physical, opportunistic style that head coach Stan Pierre has emphasized throughout training camp.

Saskatchewan opened the scoring on a 46-yard field goal from Lukas Scott, but Manitoba quickly seized control.

Rookie Mikun Odunuga provided one of the game's first spark plays, turning a catch into a long gain that carried the Bisons inside the five-yard line. Moments later, the Bisons turned to an unconventional short-yardage package, lining up defensive lineman Gavin Perkins at quarterback. Perkins powered across the goal line for his first-ever U SPORTS touchdown and the first major of the 2026 campaign for the Herd.

The Bisons continued to generate momentum offensively as Manitoba extended its lead on a touchdown reception by Brendt Adams before Nathan Udoh added one of his own, diving into the end zone after the Bisons capitalized on a Saskatchewan turnover.

The defence played a major role throughout the night.

Nic Pereira was active from the opening series, helping anchor a defensive unit that repeatedly disrupted Saskatchewan's offence.

One of the biggest moments came when Perkins made his presence felt on his typical side of the ball. The defensive lineman forced a fumble on Huskies quarterback Anton Amundrud, with Dario Macchia recovering the loose ball to give Manitoba possession. The takeaway helped the Bisons maintain control and highlighted the versatility of Perkins, who impacted the game as both a defensive playmaker and a short-yardage quarterback.

Saskatchewan responded early in the second half when Kayden Miller scored the Huskies' first touchdown of the season, but Manitoba answered immediately.

Odunuga capped an impressive debut with a touchdown reception, turning a short completion into a long score after creating separation along the sideline and racing to the end zone.

The Bisons added to their advantage later in the half when Pereira stepped in front of a pass for an interception, giving Manitoba another short field to work with. True to form, the Bisons again turned to their goal-line package, and Perkins took care of the rest. Lined up at quarterback, the defensive lineman barreled across the goal line for his second rushing touchdown of the game.

Saskatchewan continued to battle behind Amundrud, with Rhett Vavra, Aulain Penner, and Ethan Clazie contributing key plays offensively. The Huskies added a second touchdown after Miller put them back in the redzone, but Manitoba's defence continued to come up with timely stops as the Bisons closed out a convincing opening-week victory.

For a team replacing several key veterans, the season opener offered an encouraging glimpse of what's ahead. The Herd heads to Regina next weekend for a Friday evening match. Fans can catch it on Canada West TV. The Bisons are back home on September 19, when the team takes to Murray Field at Dakota Collegiate for a 2 p.m. kick off. Tickets are available here.