The B.C. Lions have officially signed American defensive lineman Zeke Vandenburgh, boosting their defensive lineup ahead of the upcoming CFL season. This move brings a highly decorated pass rusher to the team, with hopes that his impact will be felt immediately on the field.
College Career Highlights and Accolades
Standing six-foot-four and weighing 235 pounds, Vandenburgh was a standout athlete at Illinois State University, where he played in 51 games over six seasons. During his college tenure, he accumulated 256 total tackles, including 43.5 tackles for loss and 24 sacks. His senior year in 2022 was particularly impressive, earning him first-team All-American honors and the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in the FCS.
The Buck Buchanan Award has been claimed by several notable players who later made their mark in the CFL, including linebacker J.C. Sherritt and defensive lineman Greg Peach. The award’s best-known recipient is Jared Allen, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Professional Journey Before Joining B.C.
Despite his collegiate success, Vandenburgh was undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft but signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, he spent his rookie season on injured reserve and was released after the following training camp. He then joined the Memphis Showboats in the UFL for the 2023 season, where he played eight games and recorded 37 tackles and half a sack.
B.C. Lions’ Recent Roster Moves and Upcoming Season
The Lions have also recently added defensive lineman Casey Sayles and linebacker Darnell Sankey, who arrived following their releases by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes, respectively. However, the team has seen some departures, including All-CFL offensive lineman Jarell Broxton moving to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Lions have remained relatively quiet during free agency but are preparing for the next season with focus and cautious optimism.
B.C. holds the seventh overall selection in the 2026 CFL Draft, scheduled for April 28. Training camps will open on May 10, with the Lions’ first preseason game slated against the Edmonton Elks on May 23 and the regular-season opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on June 13.
Recent Team Performance and Prospects
Last year, the Lions finished with an 11-7 record, placing second in the West Division. They defeated the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final but fell short against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Final. Quarterback Nathan Rourke, their franchise star, threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, earning CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award. The addition of Zeke Vandenburgh is expected to strengthen the team’s defenses as B.C. aims to improve on its promising 2025 performance.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to prove myself at the next level and contribute to the Lions’ success.” ?Zeke Vandenburgh, Defensive Lineman
