Football

Edmonton Elks' running back Justin Rankin (5) evades a tackle by Ottawa Redblacks' defensive back CJ Reavis (8) during second half regular season CFL action in Ottawa, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Rankin, Kennedy, Ceresna named CFL’s top players for Week 1 of 2026

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 9, 2026

TORONTO - Edmonton running back Justin Rankin, Montreal defensive back Robert Kennedy III and Winnipeg defensive lineman Jake Ceresna have been named the CFL's top players of Week 1 of the 2026 season.

Rankin had 102 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in Edmonton's 29-21 win at Ottawa on Saturday.

He added five receptions for 94 yards, including a 63-yard catch in the third quarter.

Kennedy scored his first career touchdown with a 54-yard interception in the Alouettes' 30-27 win at Hamilton on Thursday.

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Football

Snead coming off career-best performance in Alouettes’ comeback win over Hamilton

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Snead coming off career-best performance in Alouettes’ comeback win over Hamilton

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Jun. 8, 2026

Tyler Snead picked a great time to have the best game of his young CFL career.

The five-foot-seven, 187-pound receiver had nine catches for 163 yards — both career highs — and a touchdown in Montreal's 30-27 overtime road win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Thursday night.

Snead helped the Alouettes rally from a 14-point, second-half deficit minus running back Travis Theis, receiver Cole Spieker and centre Justin Lawrence — all starters — after they suffered first-half injuries.

"He's a grinder," Montreal starter Davis Alexander said of Snead. "He just has a nose for finding openings in this game.

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Monday, Jun. 8, 2026

Football

Edmonton Elks' quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) tries to evade a tackled by Ottawa Redblacks' defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado (95) during first half regular season CFL action in Ottawa, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Fajardo directs Elks to 29-21 season-opening win over Redblacks

Darren Desaulniers, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Fajardo directs Elks to 29-21 season-opening win over Redblacks

Darren Desaulniers, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 6, 2026

OTTAWA - New coach. New Quarterback. Same old Ottawa Redblacks.

After enduring last year's 4-14 season, the Redblacks had high hopes coming into 2026, but mistakes and penalties cost them Saturday in a 29-21 loss to the Edmonton Elks. It was the season opener for both CFL clubs.

Coaching his first game with the Redblacks, Ryan Dinwiddie said penalties frustrated him the most in his Ottawa debut. His club was flagged nine times for 100 yards.

“We took too many penalties. It was a tough game. I thought we fought hard, I think we’ve got a good group, we just didn’t put it together tonight. Self-inflicted wounds, there were too many to overcome,” Dinwiddie said.

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Saturday, Jun. 6, 2026

Football

Sergio Castillo field goal lifts Blue Bombers to 30-28 win over Stampeders

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Sergio Castillo field goal lifts Blue Bombers to 30-28 win over Stampeders

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 6, 2026

CALGARY - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers charged out of the gate to start their 2026 CFL season by beating a team they couldn't last year.

The Bombers defeated the host Calgary Stampeders 30-28 in a tug of war that ended with Sergio Castillo's walkoff field goal from 38 yards out for the win Friday at McMahon Stadium.

Winnipeg, which went 0-3 against Calgary last season, trailed by a point with 64 seconds remaining.

Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., had just marched his offence out of Calgary's end zone and 104 yards down field for the quarterback to score on a three-yard dash.

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Saturday, Jun. 6, 2026

Football

Maltos Diaz’s 17-yard field goal earns Alouettes 30-27 OT win over Ticats

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Maltos Diaz’s 17-yard field goal earns Alouettes 30-27 OT win over Ticats

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jun. 4, 2026

HAMILTON - Defensive back Robert Kennedy III figured pretty prominently in the Montreal Alouettes' 30-27 overtime win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Thursday night.

Kennedy registered a key pick-six in the third quarter that cut Montreal's deficit to 24-17. Then in overtime, he forced Keric Wheatfall to fumble near the sideline on Hamilton's opening possession, allowing teammate Kabion Ento to push the ball out of bounds and end the threat.

Jose Maltos Diaz capped Montreal's first overtime possession with the game-winning 17-yard boot to kick off the CFL regular season. Maltos Diaz forced overtime with a 29-yard field goal on the final play of regulation, capping an amazing 56-yard, 13-play drive that saw the Alouettes convert three third-down situations.

"I think that (pick-six) just changed the whole complexion of the game," said Montreal head coach Jason Maas. "All of the momentum was with them and all of a sudden it was with us for a moment and we scratched and clawed to get it into overtime.

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Thursday, Jun. 4, 2026

Football

Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Brandon Banks poses with the trophy for the most outstanding player award at the CFL Awards during the CFL's Grey Cup week in Calgary, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Former CFL star receiver/returner Banks unveiled as 2026 Hall of Fame inductee

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Former CFL star receiver/returner Banks unveiled as 2026 Hall of Fame inductee

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jun. 4, 2026

HAMILTON - The Hamilton Tiger-Cats had quite the surprise for Brandon Banks on Thursday night.

The CFL's outstanding player in 2019 was informed that he'll be inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame this fall during the Ticats season-opening game versus the Montreal Alouettes. Banks, 38, attended the game after signing a one-day contract Wednesday with Hamilton to retire as a member of the CFL club.

During a stoppage in play, TSN's Kate Beirness and Milt Stegall delivered the news to Banks, who was visibly surprised.

"It's a surreal moment," he said. "They (Ticats fans) mean everything to me.

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Thursday, Jun. 4, 2026

Football

Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (19) throws to Kiondre Smith (85) for the touchdown against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during first half CFL football action in Winnipeg on Thursday, June 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Mitchell tosses three TDs in Ticats’ 37-27 win over Blue Bombers

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Mitchell tosses three TDs in Ticats’ 37-27 win over Blue Bombers

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:50 AM CDT

WINNIPEG - Bo Levi Mitchell has a long memory that served him well on Thursday.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback remembered last season's trip to Winnipeg in September that ended with an embarrassing 40-3 loss.

The 14-year veteran decided to try to do something about it for Thursday night's Blue Bombers' home opener and it seemed to spark a 37-27 Ticats' victory.

“I could see it the entire week of practice, I could see it on the travel — things were different, guys were locked in,” Mitchell said.

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:50 AM CDT

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Football

Chad Kelly returns after missing entire 2025 CFL season as Argonauts visit Alouettes

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Chad Kelly returns after missing entire 2025 CFL season as Argonauts visit Alouettes

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026

MONTREAL - Chad Kelly had already spent close to 600 days anticipating his CFL comeback. Then he waited another week.

The Toronto Argonauts open their season Friday night against the Montreal Alouettes after beginning the 2026 campaign on a bye week. Kelly, the league’s outstanding player in 2023, hasn’t played since the 2024 East final and returns to a place where it all came crashing down.

The 32-year-old quarterback will step back onto Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, the same field where he suffered a gruesome leg injury on Nov. 9, 2024.

“I'm anxious to get out there and just play football again," he told reporters in Toronto. “Get back to playing like my old self — manage the football game, take the shots when they're there, and just try to lead our team to victory.”

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Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026

Football

Bombers tackle Ceresna hopes to keep momentum going after career-high sacks in opener

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Bombers tackle Ceresna hopes to keep momentum going after career-high sacks in opener

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

WINNIPEG - Jake Ceresna made a great first impression with Blue Bombers fans, but it wasn't in person.

Now the defensive tackle will try for a memorable debut in front of what's expected to be Winnipeg's 15th consecutive capacity crowd at Princess Auto Stadium for Thursday's home opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

“I just want to have a good game, more importantly just have a team win (Thursday) would be great,” Ceresna said after Wednesday's walk-through practice.

“We'll see what happens. I'm just going to go out there and give everything I've got like every other game. Sometimes you make big plays, sometimes it doesn't come to you, but you've just got to keep swinging.”

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Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Football

Chiefs lock in Patrick Mahomes through 2033 with a $504.75M reworked deal, AP source says

Dave Skretta, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Chiefs lock in Patrick Mahomes through 2033 with a $504.75M reworked deal, AP source says

Dave Skretta, The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have agreed to a restructured contract that adds two years to his deal and pushes the total compensation past a half-billion dollars, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Chiefs do not disclose financial terms of their contracts.

Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million contract in 2020 that set a benchmark not only for the quarterback position but for any football player. The latest extension ties the two-time MVP to the Chiefs through the 2033 season, when Mahomes will be 38, and it comes in at $504.75 million, with incentives and escalators that could push the value beyond $520 million.

The Chiefs and Mahomes regularly rework his contract in the offseason, giving the team the financial flexibility to surround him with enough talent to compete for championships. The latest deal, though, includes a hefty pay increase after recent deals done for other quarterbacks — among them Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen — had reset the QB market.

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Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Football

Grey Cup-champion Riders open their ’26 season with playoff rematch versus Lions

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Grey Cup-champion Riders open their ’26 season with playoff rematch versus Lions

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

They can't change history, but Nathan Rourke and the B.C. Lions can exorcise a few demons Saturday night.

B.C. opens its season in Regina against the Roughriders. That's also where the Lions ended the 2025 campaign, dropping a 24-21 West Division final decision to Saskatchewan as Trevor Harris's three-yard TD pass to Tommy Nield with 11 seconds provided the dramatic finish.

Saskatchewan went on to down the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 in the Grey Cup. The Riders will unveil their championship banner before the opening kickoff Saturday.

Last season was a historic one for Rourke, who threw for a career-high 5,290 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also ran for 564 yards — tops among CFL quarterbacks — and averaged 9.2 yards per carry while scoring 10 TDs, being named the league's outstanding player and top Canadian.

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Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Football

Awe’s clutch block leads Alouettes past Argonauts 37-30 in home opener

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Awe’s clutch block leads Alouettes past Argonauts 37-30 in home opener

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:16 PM CDT

MONTREAL - Davis Alexander was carving up the Toronto defence and Tyson Philpot was making highlight-reel catches. Yet the play that swung Friday night’s contest came on special teams.

Micah Awe’s blocked punt resulted in a crucial touchdown late in a back-and-forth game as the Montreal Alouettes downed the Argonauts 37-30 in their CFL home opener.

“A huge play, when we needed it the most,” Alouettes coach Jason Maas said. “He came out with the biggest play, in my opinion, of the night, and it was just awesome to see. I can't say enough great things about him.”

Awe, a nine-season veteran, led the CFL in tackles as a linebacker with the B.C. Lions last season but has been used in a special-teams role with the Alouettes because of the league’s Canadian ratio rules.

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:16 PM CDT

Football

Defending Grey Cup champion Riders host Rourke, Lions, in opener for both teams

Jeff DeDekker, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Defending Grey Cup champion Riders host Rourke, Lions, in opener for both teams

Jeff DeDekker, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 3:53 PM CDT

REGINA - The B.C. Lions are going from a bye week to a big test early in the CFL season, and that is fine with star quarterback Nathan Rourke.

The Lions will visit the defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders after both teams had the opening week off. After going through the grind of training camp and the unusual quirk of sitting idle for the opening week, both teams are locked and loaded for Saturday’s game.

Rourke, the CFL’s most outstanding player and outstanding Canadian in 2025, sees an opportunity in opening the campaign against the defending Grey Cup champions.

“It’s a great measure to see where this team is at. To get them early is great," said Rourke, who completed 352 of 500 passes last season for 5,290 yards with 31 touchdowns and 16 interceptions last season.

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Yesterday at 3:53 PM CDT

Football

Lions quarterback taking aim at Grey Cup win in 2026, not making CFL awards history

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Lions quarterback taking aim at Grey Cup win in 2026, not making CFL awards history

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2026

Nathan Rourke has the opportunity to accomplish something this season that's never been done in CFL history.

No Canadian has captured the CFL's outstanding player award in consecutive years. Russ Jackson won it three times over his legendary career with the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1963, '66 and '69.

Last year, Rourke became just the fifth player to win the award and was also named the league's top Canadian. Rourke was the first quarterback to complete that sweep since Jackson in 1969. Winnipeg's Brady Oliveira in 2024, Calgary's Jon Cornish in 2013 and Ottawa's Tony Gabriel in 1978 are the other Canadian MOP winners.

"Just like any other player, I want to be a great player and want to be regarded as such," the B.C Lions star said. "I do believe even if you're someone who wins multiple individual awards, if you don't win the big one that's what people are going to say.

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Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2026

Football

CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston addresses the media as he gives his 2025 CFL State of the League presentation in Winnipeg on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

TV deal, new rules, playoff expansion define CFL commissioner Johnston’s first year

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

TV deal, new rules, playoff expansion define CFL commissioner Johnston’s first year

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2026

TORONTO - Stewart Johnston has wasted no time putting his stamp on the CFL.

Since becoming commissioner April 24, 2025, the former TSN executive has made three major announcements. The most significant came last week when the CFL unveiled a mega six-year broadcast agreement with Bell Media, DAZN and YouTube that begins in 2027.

Financial figures weren't divulged, but a source told The Canadian Press the deal, all-in, is worth $500 million, making it the most lucrative broadcast agreement in league history. The CFL is entering the final season of its six-year television contract with TSN that paid it an average of $50 million annually.

Johnston admits he didn't expect to be this busy this early into his tenure.

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Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2026

Football

Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Jake Maier (13) looks for a pass against the Montreal Alouettes during first half CFL pre-season action in Ottawa, on Friday, May 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Newcomer Jake Maier gets the start for Redblacks in season opener versus Elks

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Newcomer Jake Maier gets the start for Redblacks in season opener versus Elks

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2026

The Jake Maier era in Ottawa begins Saturday night.

Maier will start at quarterback when the Ottawa Redblacks host the Edmonton Elks in the CFL season opener for both teams. Maier came to the Canadian capital this off-season as a free agent after spending 2025 backing up veteran Trevor Harris with the Grey Cup-champion Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Dru Brown had been Ottawa's starter the last two seasons. He guided the Redblacks (9-8-1) to a playoff berth in 2024 — they lost 58-38 to Toronto in the East semifinal — but was limited to 11 starts last season as the club posted a CFL-worst 4-14 record.

Maier made 45 starts over four seasons with Calgary (2021-24) and two more last year with Saskatchewan. In 2023, he threw for a career-high 4,244 yards before registering 22 touchdown passes the following season, another career-best.

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Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2026

June 13, 2026

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