The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team opened their 2025 OUA campaign in record-setting fashion, defeating the Carleton Ravens 42-23 on Saturday (Aug. 23) afternoon in Ottawa.

The Blues offence was firing on all cylinders, accruing 683 total yards in the dominant road win. The 42 total points by Toronto marked the most scored by the Blues versus the Ravens since a 50-10 U of T victory in 2013.

Leading the offensive explosion, fourth-year quarterback Scott Barnett added his name to the U of T record book. His 614 passing yards supplanted the previous single-game Varsity Blues record of 548 yards set by Simon Nassar during the 2014 season. Orchestrating the passing attack to feature three receivers over the 100-yard receiving mark, Barnett finished 32-for-39 with four passing touchdowns on the day.

The primary beneficiary of the outstanding passing performance for the Blues was third-year receiver Chris Joseph, who also etched his name into the program record book. With 19 receptions, Joseph broke a 34-year old Varsity Blues record surpassing the single-game mark of 17 set by Mark Magee during the 1981 campaign. The 19 catches also placed him in a tie for first in the U SPORTS national record book. As well, with 310 receiving yards he claimed first place in the Blues record books, replacing the previous mark of 232 set by Paul de Pass during the 2013 season. Joseph also crossed the goal-line twice with two touchdowns in the win.

Not to be overshadowed, fifth-year receiver Jake Oseen pulled down nine catches for 158 yards and a touchdown, while third-year H-back Thomas Roberts converted four receptions into 146 receiving yards and a score.

The defence also impressed in the season opener, limiting the Ravens from finding any offensive momentum. Leading the charge was fourth-year linebacker Brandon Thibodeau and third-year linebacker Ryan Stewart. The duo combined on 16 total tackles, while also producing a defensive score with a Thibodeau sack-fumble turning into a scoop-and-score Stewart touchdown, sealing the victory in the fourth quarter.

In the defensive backfield, third-year defensive back Brayden Parker made an impact with a team-high five solo tackles and two pass breakups, while fellow third-year defensive back Luca Pante was in on six tackles and stole away an interception.

Following the strong season opening performance, Toronto will look to keep rolling in front of the home crowd as the next welcome the Waterloo Warriors to Varsity Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., with a large home crowd expected as the home opener also serves as an event taking place during the University of Toronto orientation week. Tickets are free for students and can be redeemed or purchased by general public at varsityblues.ca/tickets.

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