Two OUA greats to serve as honorary captains for the 117th Yates Cup

Burlington, Ont. - As two storied football programs prepare to clash in the 117th Yates Cup, powered by BioSteel, it is only fitting that a pair of decorated alumni join the fun as this year’s honorary captains.  

Former Laurier Golden Hawks defensive lineman Robbie Smith and Queen’s Gaels linebacker Thaine Carter have been named as the 2025 Yates Cup honorary captains ready to represent their alma maters and support the OUA football finale.    

Both players know firsthand what it takes to perform under pressure, as their university careers were defined by hard work, leadership, and unforgettable moments on the field.  

During his time at Laurier, Smith was a dominant force. He wore the purple and gold between 2015 and 2018 and recorded 18.5 sacks during that span, the second-most in program history. His 4.5 sacks against Queen’s in 2017 remain the single-game record, and his 10.5 sacks in one season set another program benchmark. 

Drafted ninth overall in the 2019 CFL Draft by the Toronto Argonauts, Smith went on to win two Grey Cups with the team before joining the Edmonton Elks last season.  

Carter, meanwhile, was one of the most feared tacklers in the country. An instinctive linebacker, he led both the Gaels and the OUA in tackles during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, earning two OUA all-star selections and the Lou Bruce Award as Queen’s Defensive Player of the Year.  

In 2008, Thaine co-captained the Gaels to an undefeated 8-0 season, was named a first team all-Canadian, and became the only Queen’s player to ever win the CIS (now U SPORTS) President’s Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player of the year.  

He was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the sixth round (45th overall) of the 2009 CFL Draft and played two seasons with the team. Carter is also a proud member of the Queen’s Gaels Football Hall of Fame.  

This year’s Yates Cup promises to be an instant classic between two historic programs. Tune in to watch these OUA greats serve as honorary captains for the 117th Yates Cup, powered by BioSteel, Saturday, November 8 at 1 p.m. on OUA.tv.