Octavious Oxendine is now a Saskatchewan Roughrider in the CFL

Octavious Oxendine is taking his talents to the Canadian Football League. The former Kentucky defensive tackle has signed a deal with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after five years as a Wildcat.

Oxendine won’t be the only former Cat on the Roughriders’ roster. Defensive lineman Micah Johnson, who played for Kentucky from 2006-09, is entering his 12th season in the CFL, fifth with the Roughriders. Three other Wildcats also play in the CFL: Josh Ali (Calgary Stampeders), Lynn Bowden (BC Lions), and Quandre Mosely (Winnipeg Bluebombers). The CFL preseason begins on Monday, May 19.

Oxendine was a four-year letter winner at Kentucky, playing in 47 career games with 19 starts from 2020-24. He totaled 78 career tackles with 15.0 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and one blocked kick. The 6’1″ 318 lbs. native of Radcliff, Kentucky, played in all 12 games this past season, totaling 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble. He was second on the team in sacks with 4.0.

Oxendine’s best performance as a Wildcat came in the upset win at Ole Miss on Sept. 28, 2024. He had three tackles, including a career-high two quarterback sacks (-10 yards), and a QB hurry. Both sacks were pivotal in Kentucky’s win. In the first quarter, his third-down sack forced a punt, and late in the second quarter, another sack prompted the Rebels to let the clock run out on the first half. The performance led to SEC Defensive Line Player of the Week honors.

Oxendine graduated from UK in December 2024 with a degree in social work. In 2022, he was named to the Comeback Player of the Year Award watch list after rehabbing from a right knee injury suffered during the LSU game during his sophomore season. A few weeks ago, he won the CATSPY for Male Supporting Role.

Best of luck to Ox (and the rest of the former Cats) up north.