A new era of Varsity Blues football begins this fall as U of T enters the 2024 OUA regular season with a renewed energy and attitude.

Beginning his first season at the helm, head coach Darrell Adams and his coaching staff will look to return the Blues to the OUA postseason after U of T just missed out last fall. Toronto reached the playoffs in the prior two seasons, including hosting a home playoff game in 2021. With a strong core of returning players and several impact rookies ready to make a mark the Blues infectious optimism, which stems from their new head coach, will be pivotal in their goal of setting a foundation for continued success through the years to come.

FROM THE COACH'S DESK
"We have had a very busy and productive summer in the weight room and on the field. Our student-athletes are bigger, stronger, and faster than they were in the winter. We are looking forward to a highly competitive season, full of growth and development, while pursuing our ultimate goal of winning a championship. Yet, what I am most excited about is having these guys gel and develop the Toronto Varsity Blues football identity, setting the foundation for years to come."

• Darrell Adams, University of Toronto Varsity Blues football head coach.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returners: Jake Oseen (WR), Owen Cassie (DB), Keenan Dell (DL), Jacob Wright (OL), Elia Lini (LB), Denayden Lee-Daniel (WR), Devon Crenshaw (DB)

Key Additions: Elijah Senick (DL), James Donald (OL), Oskar McPhie (DB), Simon Thompson (LB)

LAST SEASON'S LEADERS
Passing: Scott Barnett | 8 GP, 65-116, 920 YDS, 8 TD, 8 INT

Rushing: Luka Stoikos | 6 GP, 43 ATT, 257 YDS, 2 TD

Receiving: Jake Oseen | 8 GP, 23 REC, 283 YDS, 4 TD

Defence: Ryan Stewart | 8 GP, 57 TKL, 1 SACK, 5.5 TFL, 1 FF, 2 INT, 5 BU

FROM THE FIELD
"Everything is coming together really well. We were all excited to see each other and now that everyone is back together it has just been electric. Taking on a new playbook takes some adjustment, but we were looking really good in winter camp, and now that we have added even more I think we will really be able to take off as a team this year."

• Luka Stoikos, 4^th year, Running Back

MARQUEE GAMES
September 1 vs. Guelph
The first home game of the season for the Blues, there will be a packed house at Varsity Stadium for this showdown with the Gryphons. Guelph has gotten the better of Toronto carrying a current winning streak of nine straight, but in recent years the Gryphons have begun to slip down the standings, finishing outside the OUA playoffs in each of the last two seasons. The trend provides an early season opportunity for the Blues to switch the momentum in the series.

September 14 vs Carleton
Welcoming the Ravens back to Varsity Stadium, the Blues have found success on home turf versus the Ottawa-based opponent. U of T holds a 2-2 record against Carleton in their last four meetings in Toronto, including a recent 28-13 season finale victory in 2022, which helped the Blues clinch a playoff berth that fall. Toronto will look to the home crowd to once again spur them on against the always ready to play Ravens.

September 21 vs. York
The 54^th annual Red and Blue Bowl will take place this season at Varsity Stadium, pitting the long-time rival Blues and Lions against each other once again for the dominion of the GTA. Toronto have won the last four consecutive meetings between the two teams by a combined score of 162-19. U of T will look to maintain their dominance over the cross-town rival Lions and keep the Argo Cup in the trophy case at Varsity Stadium for another year.

October 11 vs. Western
A true test facing one of the perennially best, the Blues will face the Mustangs in a Friday night under-the-lights home finale. Western have won the last three consecutive Yates Cup's, while also adding a Vanier Cup to their program tally in 2021. With the OUA's top team on their schedule for a third straight year, the Blues will be looking to play the underdog in this late season match-up.

GET YOUR TICKETS
Both season seats and individual game tickets can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets.

All OUA football games are also streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.