CFL Power Rankings: Roughriders lead the way entering Week 1 of 2026

With the 2026 CFL season set to kick off on June 4, the league enters the year with several legitimate Grey Cup contenders and no shortage of storylines. The defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders begin the campaign atop our Power Rankings after posting the league’s best regular-season record and capturing the Grey Cup in 2025. Behind them, familiar contenders such as the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and BC Lions are all positioned to challenge for a championship, while several clubs enter the season looking to prove they can take the next step toward contention.

1. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2025 Record: 12-6)

The defending Grey Cup champions deserve the top spot until somebody takes it from them. Trevor Harris returns after leading one of the CFL’s most efficient offenses, while head coach Corey Mace has quickly established a championship culture in Regina. The Roughriders finished with the CFL’s best regular-season record in 2025 and remain the team everyone else is chasing.

2. Montreal Alouettes (2025 Record: 10-8)

The Montreal Alouettes may not have matched the regular-season record of some of the teams around them, but they remain one of the CFL’s most dangerous organizations. Davis Alexander enters the season as the full-time starter after emerging as one of the league’s rising quarterbacks, while head coach Jason Maas continues to lead one of the CFL’s most disciplined and balanced teams. Montreal knows how to win close games, and that experience keeps the Alouettes firmly in the championship conversation.

3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2025 Record: 11-7)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats enter 2026 with one of the CFL’s strongest quarterback situations. Bo Levi Mitchell remains among the league’s elite passers after leading Hamilton to first place in the East Division, while the addition of Tre Ford gives the Tiger-Cats valuable depth and another dynamic offensive option. With Scott Milanovich returning as head coach, expectations are firmly focused on a Grey Cup run.

4. BC Lions (2025 Record: 11-7)

The BC Lions remain one of the CFL’s most dangerous teams because they have Nathan Rourke under center. After reaching the West Final in Buck Pierce’s first season as head coach, BC enters 2026 with continuity on offense, star power on defense, and legitimate ambitions of finishing atop the West Division.

5. Calgary Stampeders (2025 Record: 11-7)

The biggest reason for optimism in Calgary is Vernon Adams Jr. The veteran quarterback gives the Stampeders a proven playmaker under center, and the club took a major step forward with an 11-7 record in 2025 after missing the playoffs the year before. If the defense continues to improve, Calgary could climb even higher.

6. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2025 Record: 10-8)

It feels strange seeing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this low, but expectations remain different for a franchise that reached five consecutive Grey Cups. Zach Collaros is still the starter, Brady Oliveira remains one of the CFL’s elite backs, and Mike O’Shea continues to lead one of the league’s most respected organizations. The question is whether Winnipeg still has enough around its veteran core to make another championship run.

7. Ottawa REDBLACKS (2025 Record: 9-9)

The Ottawa REDBLACKS enter 2026 with renewed optimism with getting a new head coach in Ryan Dinwiddie and after acquiring veteran quarterback Jake Maier, who gives the franchise proven CFL experience and stability at the game’s most important position. After finishing 9-9 in 2025, Ottawa remains one of the tougher teams to project, but the roster has improved and the organization believes it can push back into the playoff conversation. If Maier settles in quickly, the REDBLACKS could outperform this ranking.

8. Edmonton Elks (2025 Record: 8-10)

The Edmonton Elks made one of the CFL’s most interesting offseason moves by bringing in veteran quarterback Cody Fajardo. The former Grey Cup champion gives Edmonton proven leadership and stability at the game’s most important position, but after another losing season the Elks still need to show they can consistently compete with the league’s contenders.

9. Toronto Argonauts (2025 Record: 6-12)

No team enters 2026 with more uncertainty than the Toronto Argonauts. Chad Kelly remains the projected starter, but the club is coming off a disappointing 6-12 season and significant roster turnover. There is still talent in Toronto, but after finishing at the bottom of the East Division, the Argonauts enter the year with more questions than answers.