B.C. Lions sign NFL Combine standout David Gusta, two others

Photo: Jacob Noger/UK Athletics

The B.C. Lions signed three American players on Monday, including defensive lineman David Gusta, defensive lineman Buddha Peleti, and receiver Michael Fitzgerald II.

Gusta participated in the 2026 NFL Combine where he recorded 37 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, placing first among all prospects in attendance. He also ranked in the upper-half of defensive tackles in the forty-yard dash and vertical jump.

The six-foot-three, 308-pound defender finished his collegiate career at the University of Kentucky, where he recorded 12 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack in 2025. He previously played at Washington State, where he made 62 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and four pass knockdowns over 32 games.

Peleti spent four seasons at New Mexico State, where he made 58 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and one pass knockdown over 36 games. The six-foot-two, 250-pound native of Adelanto, Calif. finished his collegiate career at Washington State in 2025, where he recorded 22 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks in 13 games.

Fitzgerald II played collegiately at Massachusetts, Central Missouri, and Wyoming. The six-foot-six, 210-pound native of Atlanta, Ga. had his best season in 2023 when he caught 32 passes for 526 yard and five touchdowns over 13 games.

B.C. also released five players on Monday, including quarterback Gevani McCoy.

The Lions hold the seventh overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. B.C. will play its first preseason game against the Edmonton Elks on Saturday, May 23 and its first regular-season game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, June 13.

In 2025, B.C. finished second in the West Division standings with an 11-7 record. They beat the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final but lost the West Final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Franchise quarterback Nathan Rourke threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions to be named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player.