BRANDON – The Brandon University Bobcats are loading up for a massive 2026-27 season, securing a wave of local talent, national standouts, and international impact players.

From championship-proven veterans transferring into the ranks to dominant high school stars keeping their talents in Westman, Bobcat Nation is welcoming a stellar group of recruits ready to make their mark.

Women's Rugby Club

The Bobcat women's rugby club is building serious momentum on the recruiting front, locking down premier high school and provincial talent to fortify their roster.

• Kierstin Van De Kerckhove: A major signing for the program, Van De Kerckhove brings elite experience to BU. She represented Manitoba at the Canada Summer Games and captured back-to-back provincial high school championships during a dominant run with the Dauphin Clippers.

• Brooklyn Vandaele: Keeping local excellence close to home, Vandaele makes the jump to the university club program following an exceptional high school tenure with the Souris Sabres.

• Mia Lepp: A versatile addition to the squad, Lepp is a proven multi-sport athlete who showcased her talents for both the Rivers Rams and Souris Sabres during her high school career.

Women's Soccer

The three-time defending league champions aren't slowing down. The Bobcats have added elite stability in net and dynamic athletic depth across the pitch.

• Rebecca Collier: Hailing from Virden, the standout goalkeeper brings leadership and championship pedigree to the squad after serving as co-captain of the Minnedosa Mustangs on the club circuit.

• Nicole Dyck: A true hometown talent, Dyck stays in Brandon after anchoring the Neelin Spartans as team captain during her graduating high school season.

• Victoria Bateman: Joining the Bobcats from Regina, Bateman is a fierce competitor who co-captained her club team to a provincial title and a berth at nationals last year. Her athletic resume extends to the diamond, where she made history with Team Saskatchewan when female baseball debuted at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

Men's Soccer

The men's soccer program has injected a potent mix of hometown stars, provincial champions, and elite club leaders into their 2026 recruiting class.

• Parker Cels: A high-caliber hometown goalkeeper, Cels brings size and athleticism to the net after an impressive multi-sport high school career with the Vincent Massey Vikings.

• Anser Khan: A dynamic, Pakistan-born forward who moved to Canada in 2018, Khan has been a force with Winnipeg South End United. He captained his U16 squad in 2024 and drove his U17 club to a clinical sixth-place finish at nationals in 2025.

• Russell Harper: Arriving from Boissevain, Harper is a multi-sport standout for the Broncos. His work ethic is highly decorated, having earned back-to-back honors with Westman FC as Most Improved (2024) and Most Inspirational (2025).

• Ben Ibitoye: Another critical local addition, Ibitoye makes the intra-city jump to BU this fall after an excellent high school run with the Crocus Plainsmen.

• Levi Francis: A proven winner and former high school team captain, Francis helped guide the Morden Thunder to a provincial championship banner in 2024.

Women's Volleyball

The Bobcats have added a major international offensive weapon to their court for the upcoming campaign.

• Amanda Onyeukwu: Traveling all the way from Piadena, Italy, Onyeukwu transfers to Brandon from Keyano College in the CCAA. Entering her third year, the dynamic 6-foot opposite hitter is expected to bring heavy scoring firepower and a veteran, all-around presence to the Bobcats' rotation.

Men's Basketball

Head coach Gil Cheung and the men's basketball program have assembled an electric recruiting haul, combining elite length from Alberta, a championship-winning duo from Quebec, and international size.

• Roman Jensen: Coming out of Langdon, Alberta and Supreme Hoops Canada, the 6-foot-5 guard/forward boasts a massive 6-foot-8 wingspan and a reputation as a dominant, multi-level scoring threat.

• Yussef Jawad: A premier backcourt addition, Jawad was named Team MVP after guiding the Vanier College Cheetahs to a flawless, undefeated season in the RSEQ Division 2 ranks. The 6-foot-4 guard was also honored as a playoff all-star.

• Didou Sowadan: Joining his Vanier College teammate in Brandon, the 6-foot-1 guard was a central catalyst for the Cheetahs' perfect season. Sowadan's clutch gene was on full display as he took home Finals MVP honors.

• Orie Zehavi: Adding crucial depth and international experience to the frontcourt, the 6-foot-6 forward from Israel has officially committed to the blue and gold.

With more signing announcements expected in the coming days, the busy off season continues as excitement builds towards the 2026-27 season.