This is always a special time of year for me. Football, and primarily the CFL, is my favourite sport. So naturally, the beginning of a new CFL season brings me a bit of joy. On the eve of the kickoff to the new season, I’d thought I’d give a look at my 2025 CFL Season Outlook.
I grew up going to Hamilton Tiger-Cat games with my dad and my brother. In 1996 we got season tickets as part of the ‘Save the Team” campaign, which also included tickets to the Grey Cup that year. I followed that up with having season tickets with my brother during the transition from Ivor Wynne, to the new stadium, now being referred to as Hamilton Stadium. During the cancelled Covid season, we gave up our tickets. We’ve both moved from where we were at the time, and no longer go to as many games.
All that is to say, while I am a Ticat fan, I am pretty unbiased and fair. The refs and league aren’t actually out to get us. And I still believe there is something fundamentally broken with the Ticats as an organization. But maybe their fortunes will change this year. I’m not actually expecting miracles!
So here it is, my 2025 CFL Season Outlook from East to West.
Montreal Alouettes
The Montreal Alouettes enter the 2025 CFL season with high expectations after they finished first in the East Division, but fell short to the Toronto Argonauts in the East Final. Returning GM Danny Maciocia and head coach Jason Maas look to build on last year and contend for another Grey Cup title.
A big question mark on that road will be the play of quarterback Davis Alexander. Montreal traded veteran quarterback Cody Fajardo in the offseason, handing the reigns to a young Alexander. While he showed poise and efficiency, going 4-0 as a starter last year, it remains to be seen if he has what it takes to lead the team to a championship.
One thing in Alexander’s favour, the receiving corps will be a strength. Being led by Austin Mack, who will be with the team all season after making an attempt in the NFL, there is no shortage of receiver weapons for the Als to utilize.
The defence also maintained continuity, which should serve them well in the 2025 campaign. The defensive unit will aim to replicate its strong performance in 2024 and provide a solid foundation for the teams aspirations.
Ottawa Redblacks
The Ottawa Redblacks are entering the 2025 CFL season with renewed optimism following a significant turnaround in 2024, where they improved to a 9–8–1 record and secured their first playoff appearance since 2018 . Under the leadership of head coach Bob Dyce and general manager Shawn Burke, the team aims to build on last year’s progress and make a deeper postseason run
Some significant changes took place to improve the team this year. Most notable additions are William Standback, who is expected to share running back duties, and all-star reciever Eugene Lewis on the offence. With the defence adding Robert Priester and Amari Henderson to the backfield.
Of course, there are some returning player expected to make an impact: Dru Brown at quarterback and Justin Harder at reciever on the offence; and Lorenzo Mauldin IV and linebacker Jovan Santos-Know on defence.
One area Ottawa will need to improve is their road record. Going 2-7 in away games isn’t going to cut it this year if they Redblacks are to make an impact in 2025.
Toronto Argonauts
The defending Grey Cup champions have seen a lot of change, making their 2025 CFL season outlook a little hard to pin down. They also ended training camp with a big shocker, cutting East Division all-star running back Ka’Deem Carey. Add in franchise quarterback Chad Kelly still being out after breaking his leg in the east final in 2024, and things are murky to begin the season.
Also, the team took quite a hit in free agency with any players choosing to, pardon the pun, abandon ship. Jake Ceresna, DaShaun Amos, Jared Brinkman, Royce Metchie and Robbie Smith all signed elsewhere. And we can’t forget the trade that sent Folarin Orimolade to the Calgary Stampeders
However, all is not bleak! Nick Arbuckle, who earned Grey Cup MVP honours in the absence of Kelly is ready to lead the team again while Kelly recuperates. The team was also able to keep all-star linebacker Wynton McManis and linebacker Cam Judge, so the defence still has some good talent.
It’ll be a tough climb, and many preseason prognosticators are picking the Argos to represent the east again in the Grey Cup. But fairytale seasons are common in the CFL, and that is one of the reasons we watch year after year.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats enter the 2025 CFL season with a renewed sense of purpose, aiming to rebound from a 7–11 record in 2024 that saw them miss the playoffs. Under the leadership of second-year head coach Scott Milanovich and newly appointed general manager Ted Goveia, the team has made strategic offseason moves to strengthen both their offense and defense.
Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell returns after leading the league in passing yards (5,451) and touchdowns (32) in 2024, demonstrating that he remains a top-tier CFL quarterback. The addition of star receiver Kenny Lawler enhances an already potent receiving corps, providing Mitchell with another reliable target and adding depth to the offense.
The Tiger-Cats have bolstered their secondary, a weakness recently, by signing experienced defensive backs DaShaun Amos and Branden Dozier. Amos, a three-time Grey Cup champion, brings leadership and playmaking ability, while Dozier adds versatility and depth to the defensive backfield.
The 2025 season marks the first under general manager Ted Goveia, following the departure of Ed Hervey. Head coach Scott Milanovich aims to build on the team’s late-season momentum from 2024.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers enter the 2025 season with a blend of veteran leadership and new faces, brought on partially by the exodus of players following Ted Goveia to Hamilton. After three straight Grey Cup losses, the team under head coach Mike O’Shea looks to return to championship form.
Veteran quarterback Zach Collaros remains at the helm. However, a suspension due to a an off-season drug-testing issue will cause him to miss the first game. The Bombers are confident in backup Chris Steveler’s ability to lead the team in the opener.
The offense faces the challenge of integrating new talent following the departures of key receivers, including Kenny Lawler, Ontaria Wilson, and Drew Wolitarsky . To bolster the receiving corps, the team has added CFL-experienced players such as Dillon Mitchell, Reggie White Jr., and Jerreth Sterns . Running back Brady Oliveira, the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2024, continues to be a focal point of the offense, providing consistency and explosive playmaking ability.
The Blue Bombers aim to reach their sixth consecutive Grey Cup, a feat not achieved since Edmonton’s run from 1977 to 1982 . With a blend of veteran leadership and new acquisitions, the team is poised to contend for the championship, provided they can navigate early-season challenges and foster cohesion among new and returning players.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders enter the 2025 CFL season with heightened expectations, aiming to build upon their 10–9–1 record from 2024 and make a deeper playoff run. Under second-year head coach Corey Mace, the team has made strategic offseason moves to bolster both offense and defense, positioning themselves as strong contenders in the West Division.
Veteran quarterback Trevor Harris returns to lead the offense after a solid 2024 season. The Roughriders have also added depth at the position by acquiring Jake Maier, who brings experience and a strong arm to the quarterback room.
The receiving corps is anchored by standout Kian Schaffer-Baker, alongside returning talents like Samuel Emilus and Shawn Bane Jr. Running back A.J. Ouellette will anchor the ground game, providing balance to the offensive attack. However, the offensive line faces early challenges due to injuries, which could impact protection and run blocking in the initial weeks of the season.
The Roughriders are positioned as strong contenders in the West Division. The team’s success will hinge on maintaining offensive line health and integrating new defensive additions effectively. If these elements align, Saskatchewan has the potential to make a significant impact in the 2025 CFL season.
Edmonton Double E’s
I really have no idea if they are the Elks or Eskimos this season. But I digress. The Edmonton Elks are aiming to secure their first playoff berth since 2019. Under the leadership of new head coach Mark Kilam, general manager Ed Hervey, and president Chris Morris, the team has undergone significant changes to bolster both their roster and organizational structure.
Tre Ford is expected to lead the Elks’ offense as the starting quarterback this season, some say a season too late. After a promising end to the 2024 season, where he secured a 4–1 record as a starter, Ford signed a three-year contract extension in December 2024, solidifying his role as the team’s primary signal-caller .
With a revamped coaching staff and a roster infused with new talent, the Elks are poised to be competitive in the West Division. The team’s success will largely depend on the development of their offensive unit and the effectiveness of their defensive enhancements. As the season progresses, the Elks will look to build momentum and challenge for a playoff spot.
And if they faulter in the first few weeks of the season, the city might not even notice with the Oilers playing in the Stanley Cup final again this year.
Calgary Stampeders
The Calgary Stampeders want to put their disappointing 5-12-1 record in 2024 behind them. Last season marketing the first time since 2024 that the Stamps missed the playoffs. Under the continued leadership of head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson, the team has undergone significant roster changes, particularly on defense, to reestablish themselves as contenders in the competitive West Division.
Dickenson has indicated that the team could feature “12 different starters” on defense compared to the previous season, signaling a substantial shift in personnel and strategy . Changes were necessary, but that many changes may bring growing pains at the beginning of the season.
Vernon Adams Jr was acquired via trade in November, and quickly agreed to a restructured contract for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, showing a commitment by both sides. Adams brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the Stampeders.
With a restructured defense and strategic offseason acquisitions, the Calgary Stampeders could make a significant push in the 2025 season. The team’s success will largely depend on how quickly the new defensive unit can gel and how effectively the offense can capitalize on its adjustments.
BC Lions
The BC Lions enter the 2025 CFL season with renewed optimism and significant changes aimed at elevating their performance following a 9–9 finish in 2024 and a loss in the West Semi-Final. After parting ways with head coach Rick Campbell in November 2024, the Lions appointed Buck Pierce, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, as their new head coach.
Quarterback Nathan Rourke returns to lead the offense after rejoining the Lions in August 2024 following a stint in the NFL. Rourke, who dominated the CFL in 2022, is hoping to regain his elite form with a full training camp under his belt.
The defense is anchored by defensive end Mathieu Betts, who re-signed with the Lions in December 2024 after a brief tenure with the NFL’s Detroit Lions. Betts, the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2023, brings a formidable pass-rushing presence to the defensive front.
the BC Lions are positioned as strong contenders in the West Division. Analysts have identified the Lions as one of the best bets for the 2025 season, with expectations of a deep playoff run .
The 2025 CFL Season Outlook
There you have it. My version of the 2025 CFL Season Outlook. I am not going to get into predictions at the point, but I do plan on doing power rankings every week. And that will begin tomorrow, just before the season starts!
