Trevor Harris: Jack Coan in conversation to be QB heir apparent in Saskatchewan

Photo: Saskatchewan Roughriders

Saskatchewan Roughriders’ franchise quarterback Trevor Harris believes his heir apparent might be on the team — Jack Coan.

“I think that if he comes in and has a training camp that he thinks he can have, I think he’s got a great opportunity to win the two job,” Harris told 3DownNation.

“Who knows what happens in terms of whenever I’m done playing or however long I’m playing? Whoever takes over next, that’s probably something that people wanna know. I don’t know that answer either, but I know that Jack is putting himself in a good situation to be able to be in that conversation.”

General manager Jeremy O’Day stated Coan has a “leg up” in the Riders backup QB competition after Jake Maier decided to sign with Ottawa during CFL free agency. Harris has seen Coan prepare for games over the last two years and recognizes his potential.

“I think a lot of people don’t know what Jack Coan brings to the table in terms of how elite he is in his preparation and how well he’s played throughout the longevity of his career at some big time schools: Wisconsin and Notre Dame. I think he could have a future in the league,” Harris said.

“I’m really, really excited for Jack because I feel like Jack has an opportunity to cement himself as a two. His preparation — I get into the facility early in the morning, he’s one of the guys that gets there probably five or ten minutes before I do. He stays every day and we grind the tape.”

Harris feels comfortable giving Coan game preparation projects, which is rare for the 112th Grey Cup MVP. He’ll watch film and provide information from what he’s seeing, which helps the entire offence — especially the Roughriders starter at football’s most important position. His preparatory work has assisted the 13-year veteran’s success on the field.

“When he tells me, I take it to the bank. He’s one of very, very few that I’ve been comfortable asking that knowing that I can take that information he gives me and it’s gonna check out,” Harris said.

“When I get that information, I’ll check those things out and sometimes in the past, when you ask people to do stuff, you’re like, ‘This ain’t right.’ But he’s very, very solid in what he does and we see the game the same.”

Harris, Coan, Tommy Stevens, Brayden Schager, and Jordan McCloud are currently under contract with the Riders at the quarterback position. Stevens is entering his second year with the Green and White, while Schager signed last September and finished the 2025 season on the practice roster. Meanwhile, McCloud is going into his first CFL training camp after inking his deal in January.

“Tommy Stevens is someone that I feel like continues to develop and continues to work. If he gets an opportunity, I think he’ll do a great job. Then we have Brayden Schager. Excited for Jordan. I had a conversation with him when he signed to welcome him aboard. Looks like he’s done some good things in college,” Harris said.

“These guys are putting in the work. I know that we’re going to come in and have some great battles in camp. My job is to earn the number one job in training camp. I know a lot of people maybe laugh at that, but that’s my mindset every year is go earn a roster spot and earn the right to be the starting quarterback for Saskatchewan. I’m going to try and do that to the best of my ability and help the other guys along in the process.”

Roughriders training camp opens in Saskatoon at Griffiths Stadium on Sunday, May 10 with rookie camp preceding it on Wednesday, May 6.