Grey Cup receiver showdown: Former teammates Philpot and Mack set for championship reunion

When the Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton Elks meet in the 113th Grey Cup in Calgary on Sunday, November 15, the matchup between Tyson Philpot and Austin Mack will feature two of the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) most productive receivers and a remarkable shared history.

Three years ago, they celebrated a championship together with Montreal. Now, Mack returns wearing Edmonton colors, alongside former Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo, with both determined to deny their old teammates another title.

Philpot’s record-breaking season

Philpot has established himself among the CFL’s elite receivers, producing a spectacular 2026 campaign with 124 receptions for 1,809 yards and 13 touchdowns.

His combination of speed, precise route-running and yards-after-catch ability makes him a dangerous weapon for quarterback Davis Alexander.

Against Edmonton during the regular season, Philpot caught 18 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to exploit the Elks secondary.

But his championship credentials extend beyond statistics.

In the 2023 Grey Cup, Philpot caught Fajardo’s game-winning 19-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds remaining, lifting Montreal to a 28–24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was subsequently named the game’s Most Valuable Canadian.

His father, Cory Philpot, was a standout running back for the BC Lions when they captured the 1994 Grey Cup, giving the family a remarkable connection to Canadian football’s biggest stage.

Mack returns to face familiar faces

Mack has been equally important to Edmonton’s offensive success.

The 2026 season saw him record 82 receptions for 1,254 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 15.3 yards per catch.

His physicality, strong hands and ability to win contested catches have made him one of Fajardo’s most dependable targets.

Mack also knows what it takes to win a championship. He was part of Montreal’s 2023 title-winning team alongside Philpot and Fajardo.

Now reunited with his former quarterback in Edmonton, Mack faces the defense he once practiced against and a franchise he helped bring back to championship glory.

Two receivers, different challenges

Philpot’s explosiveness will test an Edmonton defense that ranked among the league’s best throughout the season.

Mack presents a different challenge for Montreal, particularly on contested throws and critical second-down situations.

Both receivers enjoyed success against Sunday’s opponents during the regular season. Mack accumulated 158 receiving yards and two touchdowns against his former club, while Philpot was even more productive against the Elks.

A championship reunion with everything at stake

The personal connections make this matchup especially compelling.

Philpot is chasing another championship with Montreal, hoping to add to a family legacy that already includes his father’s 1994 triumph.

Mack, meanwhile, has the opportunity to win another Grey Cup alongside Fajardo, this time at the expense of the franchise where both celebrated their first championship together.

In a game featuring two formidable defenses, one explosive reception or difficult catch in traffic could ultimately determine which former teammate celebrates on Sunday night.