Paris offensive lineman Nolan Ayres commits to York Lions for 2026 OUA season

Paris Panther Nolan Ayres is surrounded by family as he officially signs with the York Lions for the 2026 OUA season. Pictured left to right are Larry Marino, Susanne Ayres, Nolan Ayres, Tessie Ayres, Duane Ayres and Darin Ayres.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Paris Panthers offensive lineman Nolan Ayres has officially taken the next step in his football career, signing with the York Lions for the 2026 Ontario University Athletics season.

Ayres made his commitment official Tuesday, Jan. 20, surrounded by family, friends, teammates and coaches during a signing ceremony at Paris District High School.

The signing marks a milestone for the Paris native, who was first introduced to football by longtime Paris District High School coach Steve Fergus. After suffering an injury during his Grade 9 season, Ayres rebounded by competing with the U16 Cambridge Lions, an experience he credits with sharpening his fundamentals and elevating his understanding of the game.

He returned to the Paris Panthers in Grade 10 and grew into a leadership role in his senior years, becoming known for his ability to read defences and protect his quarterback. Ayres was also called up as a junior to help the senior Panthers capture the 2022 Athletic Association of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk championship with a win over St. John’s College.

Ayres said the opportunity to continue developing under York’s coaching staff was a major factor in his decision.

“Being able to work under the great coaching staff they have and to keep developing and improving my skills,” he said. “Also, there are former Guelph Gryphon teammates and Ryan Rayner, who I have played all of my high school and summer football with, that play at York who I look forward to playing with again.”

Academics also played a significant role in his commitment. Ayres plans to study English and hopes to be accepted into York’s Concurrent Education program.

“The Concurrent Education Program was a big factor for me choosing York because I would like to become a teacher once my playing days are done,” he said.

While Ayres has clear plans beyond football, he said he hopes to push the sport as far as possible.

“Playing professional football has always been a dream of mine,” he said. “It will take a lot of hard work, dedication, and some luck but I would love to be able to accomplish that.”

Ayres said his experiences with teams in Paris, Cambridge and Guelph have shaped both his approach to the game and his leadership style.

“I have been very fortunate that wherever I have played I have had great coaching and great teammates,” he said. “Personally, I learned the value of being part of a team, what it means to be a good teammate, what it takes to become a good leader, and that there is no substitute for working hard.”

He also credited early coaches, including Fergus and his Cambridge Lions coaches, for laying the foundation of his success.

“Learning those basic fundamentals and building on them was the key to being able to be successful and for that I owe them a lot,” Ayres said.

As he prepares to represent his hometown at the university level, Ayres said the opportunity carries deep personal meaning.

“I will forever be proud of being from Paris, going to PDHS, and being a Paris Panther football player,” he said. “I want nothing more than to have everyone from the York football program know what being from Paris means to me and how proud I am to represent my hometown.”