CFL 2026 Season Preview: Team Capsules & Predictions
All Access Football previews the 2026 CFL season with top storylines for all nine teams.
CFL Preview Presented By SMWW Athlete Management Certificate Course.
The countdown to the 113th Grey Cup is on! Canadien Football League action kicks off Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 7:30pm when the Montreal Alouettes host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. New commissioner Stewart Johnson has been hard at work, announcing a landmark six-year broadcast deal reportedly worth up to $500M with Bell Media, DAZN and YouTube, starting in 2027.
Many of the new league changes will be implemented starting next season, including moving the field goal posts to the back of the end zone, shortening the end zone from 20 yards to 15 yards and reducing the field length to 100 yards.
For this season, the commissioner has promised a new league website by September with complete functionality after acknowledging the numerous hiccups in the current outdated model. There is much to appreciate about the CFL: high-level play, fast-paced action, late-game drama and a few wrinkles to the rules, which adds to the excitement.
The best aspect of the CFL? You can watch every single game for free on CFL+. To help get you primed for the upcoming season, we have profiled all nine teams below in our CFL Preseason Power Rankings, highlighting key storylines and top players, along with lots of old faces who landed in new places this offseason. In addition, we have included over/under win totals and season award predictions.
As noted, the CFL carries a high-level talent pool of prospects and some very good players were released on cut down day. If you are an alternate football league decision-maker, or just curious about some of the players who did not make the final 45-man rosters, click here.
The 113th Grey Cup will be held on November 15, 2026, at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alberta. For more insight and analysis on each CFL team, be sure to check out the latest edition of Sports Rage Podcast with host Gabriel Morency, featuring guests Andrew McInnis and Ric Serritella:
NEW: CONTINENTAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE WEEK 1 RECAP
CFL 2026 PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS
#9 TORONTO ARGONAUTS
2025 Record: 5-13 (Missed playoffs) || Head Coach: Mike Miller (First season)
There are more questions than answers for the Argonauts, who finished in the basement last season after winning the Grey Cup the previous year. All eyes will be on quarterback Chad Kelly, who missed all of last season due to injury. It remains to be seen how Kelly will respond to such a long layoff. During his absence, backup Nick Arbuckle established himself as one of the more potent CFL signal-callers, capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Former quarterback coach Mike Miller was elevated to head coach and has maintained that Kelly is his starter. Still one of the most exciting players in the league, Janarion Grant is a dangerous returner capable of taking it to the house anytime he touches the ball. Overall, the lack of overall talent could make it difficult for Toronto to find its way back to contention. — Prediction: Under 7.5 Wins (-118)
#8 CALGARY STAMPEDERS
2025 Record: 11-7 (Lost in the Western Semi-Final) || Head Coach: Dave Dickenson (Overall: 95-60-3)
No one started off hotter than the Stampeders last season, whose up and down season was a roller-coaster ride. When quarterback Vernon Adams is hot, he can be as good as any signal-caller in the league. When he’s not, it leads to porr decision-making and turnovers. Unfortunately, Adam’s streaky play often dictated the end result. Entering his second season with head coach Dave Dickenson could lend itself to more consistent play. The Minnesota Vikings release of defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings turned into a coup for the Stampeders, as he recently returned to Calgary and will pair with Folarin Orimolade to force inside-outside pressure on opposing quarterbacks. — Prediction: Under 8.5 Wins (-128)
#7 OTTAWA REDBLACKS
2025 Record: 4-14 (Missed playoffs) || Head Coach: Ryan Dinwiddie (Overall: 51-35)
Sweeping changes were made this offseason, as Ryan Dinwiddie was lured away from Toronto to serve as the REDBLACKS new general manager and head coach. It resulted in numerous roster changes, including acquisitions such as running back Greg Bell, along with linebackers Nyles Morgan and AJ Allen. The electric wideout tandem of Eugene Lewis and Justin Hardy allows Ottawa to post points on the board in a heartbeat. However, a curious quarterback decision has been made early on, as Dinwiddie has announced that Jake Maier will begin the season as the starter over oft-injured Dru Brown, once considered an emerging young talent. Time will tell if the move pays off and there are certain to be bumps in the road but by season’s end, expect the REDBLACKS to figure it out and stockpile some late season upsets. — Prediction: Under 8.5 Wins (-125)
#6 EDMONTON ELKS
2025 Record: 7-11 (Missed playoffs) || Head Coach: Mark Kilam (Overall: 7-11)
Traditionally slow out of the gates, Edmonton needs a fast start to avoid panic mode once again. In 2025, they opened up 1-5, in 2024, they began 0-7 and in 2023, they started off 0-9. The Elks dig holes too deep to get out of, mainly due to poor discipline (penalties, turnovers and mistakes). However, there were lots of foundational building blocks on a roster that vastly improved this offseason. After seizing the starting quarterback job midway through last season, Cody Fajardo seems to be rejuvenated. Multidimensional threat Justin Rankin poses as the most complete running back in the CFL, while Javon Leake is arguably the most explosive return man in the league. Factor in the offseason additions of wideout Joe Robustelli and pass-rusher Malik Carney, the Elks should be extremely competitive. — Prediction: Under 7.5 Wins (-128)
#5 WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
2025 Record: 10-8 (Lost in the Eastern Semi-Final) || Head Coach: Mike O’Shea (Overall: 117-77)
Has Father Time caught up to the Blue Bombers? Yes, three-time Grey Cup champion Zach Collaros has lost a few miles per hour off of his fastball but he is still a highly efficient game-manager when healthy. An injury-riddled campaign a year ago has casted a shadow of doubt entering 2026 but the offensive line is much improved and the supporting cast around him is stellar. One of the top players in the CFL, running back Brady Oliveira wears down opponents with his physical style of play. The offense is re-loaded with the acquisition of three-time CFL All-Star wideout Tim White to partner with Nic Demski and deep threat Ontaria Wilson. On defense, veteran Jake Ceresna was signed to plug-in alongside Willie Jefferson. With as much talent as any organization in the league, Winnipeg is one team no one will want to face come playoff time. — Prediction: Under 10.5 Wins (-150)
#4 MONTREAL ALOUETTES
2025 Record: 10-8 (Lost in the 112th Grey Cup) || Head Coach: Jason Maas (Overall: 72-53)
The Alouettes enter 2026 seeking more. Despite six straight playoff appearances and reaching the Grey Cup in two of the last three years, they have just one championship to show for it. While quarterback Davis Alexander won the first 13 starts of his career, durability has been a major concern and he has already been held out during the preseason due to a knee flare up. On defense, linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku appears poised to step into a leadership role alongside Tyrice Beverette, who should be in contention for Defensive Player of the Year honors once again. Montreal prides themselves on special teams and no player has more career special teams tackles than Alexandre Gagne (129). Ultimately, this team will only travel as far as the health of Alexander will allow them, as backup Dustin Crum is not an adequate backup. — Prediction: Over 10.5 Wins (-128)
#3 SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
2025 Record: 12-6 (Won the 112th Grey Cup) || Head Coach: Corey Mace (Overall: 21-14-1)
The defending champs have gotten little respect from the national media. Despite a veteran team that is a year older, the Roughriders should not be counted out—preparation and motivation are two areas where CFL Coach of the Year Corey Mace thrives. With a third Grey Cup added to his mantle last season, few players possess the experience and leadership of 40-year old quarterback Trevor Harris. Backfield battering ram mate AJ Ouellette grinds out the gritty yards and was second in the league in rushing last season, while soon-to-be 33-year old CFL All-Star cornerback Tevaughn Campbell holds down the defense. Saskatchewan appears poised to make another deep run once again in 2026. — Prediction: Over 9.5 Wins (-142)
#2 BC LIONS
2025 Record: 11-7 (Lost in the Western Final) || Head Coach: Buck Pierce (Overall: 11-7)
The Lions are loaded and might just have the best offensive and defensive player in the league. The 2025 Most Outstanding Player winner, Nathan Rourke has finally arrived as an upper-echelon CFL quarterback. He really elevated his play down the stretch, providing optimism heading into this season. Meanwhile, edge rusher Mathieu Betts took home Most Outstanding Defensive Player honors, racking up 15 sacks. When big plays are needed, BC dials up a call for two-time CFL All-Star Keon Hatcher Sr., who is capable of busting loose in the open field on any given play. With the first-year growing pains out of the way for head coach Buck Pierce, the Lions are positioned well to topple the mountain top. — Prediction: Over 10.5 Wins (-113)
#1 HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
2025 Record: 11-7 (Lost in the Eastern Final) || Head Coach: Scott Milanovich (Overall: 61-65)
The Ti-Cats have not won the Grey Cup since 1999, the longest drought in the CFL. However, two-time Most Outstanding Player winner Bo Levi Mitchell threw for a league-high 5,296 passing yards and 36 touchdowns last season. He leads a high-octane offense that includes top target Kenny Lawler, who accounted for 1,443 of those yards and 14 touchdowns. Former UFL running back and Missouri all-time leading rusher Larry Rountree III heads north of the border, while Hamilton also added linebacker Wynton McManis, who figures to be a major addition on defense. In somewhat of a surprising move, the team released Mario Alford just prior to the season and brought back Isaiah Wooden to return kicks. With an improved defense, everything is aligned for Hamilton to win their first championship of the new century. — Prediction: Over 8.5 Wins (-140)
ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL 2026 CFL PREDICTIONS
EAST DIVISION
Hamilton Tiger-Cats over Montreal Alouettes
WEST DIVISION
BC Lions over Saskatchewan Roughriders
113TH GREY CUP
Hamilton Tiger-Cats over BC Lions
MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER
Bo Levi Mitchell, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIEN
Nathan Rourke, BC Lions
MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE LAYER
Mathieu Betts, BC Lions
MOST OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
Martez Ivey, Edmonton Elks
MOST OUTSTANDING SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER
Isaiah Wooden, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE
Eric Rascoe, Calgary Stampeders
MOST OUTSTANDING HEAD COACH
Scott Milanovich, Hamilton Tiger-Cats