Japan: Obic Seagulls WR Yuki Sakuma primed for Rice Bowl breakout

The unbeaten Obic Seagulls and their top-ranked offense are headed to the 79th Rice Bowl to face the defending champion Panasonic Impulse, and third-year wide receiver Yuki Sakuma has emerged as a key playmaker in their explosive attack.

A new offensive identity
This season, Obic’s passing game has been nothing short of dominant, racking up 2,672 yards and 26 touchdown passes across eight games, including playoffs. A major reason for this success has been the arrival of rookie quarterback Pierce Holley and new offensive coordinator Ryoma Hagiyama. According to Sakuma, the new system is a total shift from previous years, focusing on receivers finding open space rather than strictly defined timing routes. This freedom has allowed playmakers to thrive.

Unlocking big-play potential
For Sakuma, the new scheme—and Holley’s strong arm—have been game-changers. He noted, “In practice, even if I’m running at full speed, he throws to where I can’t quite reach it. That never happened before, so being able to use my speed is the biggest thing.” This downfield threat has expanded the field for Sakuma, giving him more options and making him more dangerous than ever. His production reflects this: in his last three games, he’s recorded 19 catches for 291 yards and two touchdowns, including a clutch 46-yard game-winning score against the Nojima Sagamihara Rise.

Ready to surprise the champs
Sakuma and the Seagulls aren’t resting on their regular-season success. He revealed that the team has been installing new plays each week, giving the receiving corps more versatility and keeping opponents guessing. “Of course we have new plays prepared for the Rice Bowl,” he said. “If we can run an offense that Panasonic can’t imagine, I think we can win.” For Sakuma, this game isn’t just another contest—it’s a chance to prove Obic’s “new” offense belongs on Japan’s biggest stage.

Source: XLeague