REGINA, Saskatchewan — Former Eastern Kentucky University offensive lineman Payton Collins has signed a one-year contract extension with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.
 
Collins joined Saskatchewan in May 2025 and helped the Roughriders capture the Grey Cup championship in his rookie season, starting at left tackle in both the Western Final and Grey Cup. He has remained a fixture on Saskatchewan's offensive line during his second professional season and has made 27 CFL starts.
 
Collins helped Saskatchewan finish fourth in the CFL in passing offense at 310.6 yards per game and fifth in total offense at 389.8 yards per game during the 2026 regular season. Behind Collins and the Roughriders' offensive line, quarterback Trevor Harris led the league with 5,370 passing yards.
 
Saskatchewan also allowed the second-fewest sacks in the CFL through Week 18, surrendering just 19. Individually, Collins earned a 78.8 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus at midseason, the second-highest mark among CFL offensive linemen, and was selected to the Midseason All-CFL team.
 
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Collins set EKU's program record with 56 consecutive starts from 2020 through 2024. He earned All-America recognition in 2022 and 2024 and was a four-time all-conference selection.
 
Collins helped the Colonels reach the FCS playoffs in 2022 and 2024, including an ASUN Conference championship in 2022. That season, EKU ranked third nationally in passing offense, averaging 329.7 yards per game, and 10th in total offense at 451.3 yards per game.
 
In his final season in Richmond, Collins earned All-America honors from Stats Perform, Phil Steele and FCS Football Central, along with an invitation to the Hula Bowl. Phil Steele also named him the United Athletic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year, following his ASUN recognition in 2022.