Grey Cup defensive head-to-head: Geoffrey Cantin-Arku vs. Joel Dublanko

When the Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton Elks clash in the 113th Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on Sunday, November 15, two of the Canadian Football League’s most promising linebackers will be central to their teams’ championship hopes. Montreal’s Geoffrey Cantin-Arku and Edmonton’s Joel Dublanko have emerged as defensive leaders in their third CFL seasons, combining physicality, versatility and an ability to make game-changing plays.

Although both are classified as Canadian players under CFL rules, their paths to professional football have been markedly different.

Geoffrey Cantin-Arku: Montreal’s defensive anchor

The 28-year-old Cantin-Arku, a 6-foot-4, 232-pound native of Lévis, Quebec, has flourished in his first season as Montreal’s starting middle linebacker.

Selected ninth overall in the 2024 CFL Draft, the former Syracuse and Memphis standout spent his first two seasons learning behind veteran Darnell Sankey before inheriting the starting role.

Cantin-Arku recorded a team-leading 89 defensive tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and three pass knockdowns during the regular season.

Operating in defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe’s aggressive system, he has demonstrated the versatility to pressure quarterbacks, defend against the run and drop into coverage.

His contributions extend beyond football. The CFL recognized him with its 2026 Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award for leadership, resilience and community involvement.

Joel Dublanko: Canadian roots, American upbringing

Dublanko’s background presents an interesting contrast.

Born and raised in Aberdeen, Washington, the 28-year-old, 6-foot-3, 240-pound linebacker has strong Canadian family connections. His father was born in New Westminster, British Columbia, making Dublanko eligible for Canadian citizenship through descent.

He obtained Canadian citizenship ahead of the 2024 CFL Draft and holds dual American–Canadian citizenship. Although he grew up in the United States, he qualifies as a Canadian national under CFL roster regulations.

Dublanko played collegiately at the University of Cincinnati, captaining the Bearcats during their historic 2021 College Football Playoff season.

Following professional stints in the XFL and USFL, he was selected first overall by the Edmonton Elks in the 2024 CFL Draft.

Primarily a run-stopper in college, Dublanko has developed into an accomplished weak-side linebacker under Edmonton’s defensive coordinator J.C. Sherritt.

He finished the regular season with 73 defensive tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and five pass knockdowns.

His performances earned him Edmonton’s Most Outstanding Canadian designation for the second consecutive season.

Championship implications

Both linebackers delivered in their respective conference finals. Cantin-Arku registered five tackles against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, while Dublanko contributed six tackles and a forced fumble against the BC Lions.

Their Grey Cup assignments present contrasting challenges. Cantin-Arku must contain Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo and running back Justin Rankin, while Dublanko faces Montreal’s mobile quarterback Davis Alexander.

With both defenses capable of deciding the championship, the performances of these two rising Canadian stars could determine which team lifts the Grey Cup.