The Montreal Alouettes released wide receiver Zakhari Franklin from the practice squad on Saturday, according to the CFL Transactions page.
Zakhari Franklin is six foot one and weighs 190 pounds. The 25-year-old from Cedar Hill, Texas, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2025. They released him on July 22, 2025. The Montreal Alouettes signed Franklin on February 25, 2026. In 2026, he made 14 catches for 117 yards in two preseason games. His play earned him a spot on the practice squad.
Collegiately, Franklin spent four seasons at the University of Texas at San Antonio (2019-22) with 262 catches for 3,348 yards, 37 touchdowns, one carry for eight yards, and one tackle (1 solo) in 46 games for the Roadrunners.
He was named a two-time First Team All-Conference USA in 2021 and 2022. In his last two seasons at UTSA, Franklin combined for 175 catches for 2,163 yards, 27 touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 27 games. He was also named an All-Conference USA Honorable Mention in 2020.
Next, he transferred to Ole Miss in 2023 with four catches for 38 yards, one touchdown, and one tackle (1 solo) in four games for the Rebels. Then, he transferred to Illinois in 2024 with 55 catches for 652 yards, four touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 13 games for the Fighting Illini.
