The Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-signed defensive tackle Tanner Schmekel to a one-year contract extension through the 2026 season on Monday.
Tanner Schmekel is six foot one and weighs 286 pounds. The 26-year-old from Regina, Saskatchewan, in 2025 made two tackles and one sack in four games before an injury ended his season.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers drafted Schmekel in the fourth round (35th pick) of the 2023 CFL Draft. In 2023, he made one tackle and one sack in five games. In 2024, Schmekel made six tackles in 17 games.
Schmekel played four seasons at the University of Regina (2017-18, 2021-22) with 58 tackles (27 solos, 31 assists), 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one pass breakup in 24 games for the Rams. In 2022, he was named U SPORTS First-Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star after finishing the season with 22 tackles (12 solos, 10 assists), 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one pass breakup in nine games.
In addition, Schmekel played one season for the Regina Thunder (CJFL) with 14 tackles (9 solos, 5 assists) and one forced fumble in five games. He is a three-time University of Regina Defensive Lineman of the Year.
