The Canadian Football League season is set to begin on Thursday, with the coveted Grey Cup up for grabs. The question on everyone's mind: will the Saskatchewan Roughriders repeat as champions, or will another team rise to the top?
Parity Reigns Supreme
Parity in the CFL could be even more pronounced in 2026 than it was in 2025. Last season, aside from the Edmonton Elks, Toronto Argonauts, and Ottawa Redblacks, the remaining six teams finished with either 12, 11, or 10 wins. This tight competition suggests that any team could make a run for the championship.
Teams on the Rise
The Elks are trending upwards, while the Argonauts should improve with the return of quarterback Chad Kelly. Kelly, who missed last season due to a broken leg, boldly proclaimed himself one of "the top 32 NFL starting quarterbacks" during his recovery. This would have been his fourth season in the CFL.
Ottawa also promises to be much stronger after adding head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, running back Greg Bell, and a revamped defence. Key additions include rush end Luiji Vilain, linebackers Nyles Morgan, A.J. Allen, and C.J. Reavis, and defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado.
Expert Predictions and Odds
Many experts predict that the two teams with the longest championship droughts will meet in the 113th Grey Cup game in Calgary on Nov. 15: the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (last won in 1999) and the B.C. Lions (last won in 2011).
However, oddsmakers see a different picture. On FanDuel, the Montreal Alouettes are the favourites at +320 odds, meaning a $100 bet would return $420. Here are the odds for all teams:
- Montreal Alouettes: +320
- B.C. Lions: +380
- Saskatchewan Roughriders: +600
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats: +650
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers: +750
- Calgary Stampeders: +850
- Ottawa Redblacks: +950
- Toronto Argonauts: +1100
- Edmonton Elks: +1900
Team Offseason Moves
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Coming off an 11-7 season and an East Division final loss, the Ticats boast an explosive offence and a defence that improved as last season progressed. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, now 36, remains sharp and is Hall of Fame-bound. Veteran linebacker Wynton McManis will make an impact but will miss the season opener. Key additions include American left tackle Trevor Reid and centre Chris Kolankowski, formerly of the Blue Bombers. Keeping Mitchell upright will be crucial.
Montreal Alouettes
Quarterback Davis Alexander is undefeated in regular-season starts (11-0), and keeping him healthy is the top priority. Most of the veteran core from last year's East-winning team returns. Ottawa native Jonathan Sutherland bolsters the secondary, while return specialist DeVonte Dedmon moves from Ottawa to provide electrifying returns.
Toronto Argonauts
After a disappointing 5-13 season that saw them miss the playoffs, the Argos hope to rebound with Chad Kelly back under centre. The team has made several roster moves to improve on both sides of the ball.
