Samwise CFL Newsletter
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Ottawa Redblacks Roll Past Montreal Alouettes 27–12 in Preseason
Ottawa Redblacks defeated the Montreal Alouettes 27–12 in preseason action on Friday night at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal. Quarterback Jake Maier connected with receiver Keelan White on touchdown passes of 12 and four yards in the first half, while Bryson Barnes added a nine-yard rushing score. Kicker Paul Geelen added field goals of 40 and 26 yards as Ottawa took a commanding 17–4 lead at the break. Montreal's offence struggled to find rhythm against the Redblacks' defence, mustering only a Shomari Lawrence two-yard rushing touchdown and a Jose Carlos Maltos field goal from 21 yards. Ottawa's balanced attack offered early promise ahead of the June 4 regular-season kickoff.
Sources: Global News, Penticton Herald
Halifax $1.5-Billion Proposal Puts CFL's Tenth Franchise Back on the Agenda
A $1.5-billion stadium and entertainment district proposal by Ridgehaven Holdings LLC has renewed speculation about a tenth CFL franchise in Atlantic Canada. The Delaware-based firm, led by Las Vegas lawyer Mason Williams, is eyeing a 25,000-plus-seat multi-use venue off Highway 102 near Halifax Stanfield International Airport. JPMorgan Chase is reported to be providing construction financing under a private model requiring $500 million in equity and $1 billion in debt. A potential CFL team could begin play at Saint Mary's University as early as 2027, moving into the completed stadium by 2030. Mayor Andy Fillmore confirmed informal meetings with proponents but said no formal proposal has reached regional council.
Sources: 3DownNation
B.C. Lions Rest Rourke, Turn to Chase Brice for Langford Preseason Test
The B.C. Lions will send a depth-heavy lineup to Starlight Stadium in Langford on Saturday for their preseason game against the Edmonton Elks. Backup quarterback Chase Brice will start in place of franchise pivot Nathan Rourke, who is not expected to play a snap this preseason as the team protects his health heading into the regular season. Coaches will use the game to evaluate players competing for final roster spots ahead of the May 30 cutdown deadline. The game is not televised but streams free on CFL+. The Lions open their regular season June 4 hosting Calgary.
Sources: 3DownNation
Larry Rountree III Gets First Shot at Hamilton's Open Running Back Job
Former NFL running back Larry Rountree III is listed first on the depth chart for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats entering Saturday's preseason game against the Toronto Argonauts. Rountree, a sixth-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 NFL Draft, rushed 49 times for 106 yards and scored one touchdown over 16 regular-season NFL appearances. The Ticats have a clear hole at the position following the departure of their primary ball-carrier. Veteran Canadian back Johnny Augustine is listed second, ahead of Shane Watts, Avery Morrow, and newcomer Nahree Biggins. All five are expected to see carries Saturday as Hamilton evaluates its backfield ahead of the season opener on June 4.
Sources: 3DownNation
Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Five Things to Know Ahead of the 2026 CFL Season
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats enter 2026 motivated by last November's Eastern Final defeat, when a José Maltos Díaz field goal with no time remaining ended their 11–7 campaign. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell returns as one of the league's elite pivots, having earned back-to-back Most Outstanding Player Award nominations. Hamilton's passing attack ranked first in touchdown passes (36) and third in yards per game (297.4) in 2025. The receiver corps was bolstered in free agency with Keric Wheatfall, Kurleigh Gittens Jr., and Tyson Middlemost. Two-time All-CFL linebacker Wynton McManis joins from the Argonauts to strengthen the defence. The Ticats open the regular season at home on June 4.
Sources: CFL.ca
What's Trending in the CFL
Chad Kelly's Return in Focus Today — The Argonauts quarterback hasn't taken a live snap since a 2024 Eastern Final knee injury; his preseason work against Hamilton will be closely watched across the league.
Bombers Take Their Show to Saskatoon — Winnipeg heads to Mosaic Stadium for a rare neutral-site preseason atmosphere against Saskatchewan, drawing a sellout crowd of Grey Cup-fever faithful.
Roughriders Carry Grey Cup Target on Their Backs — Saskatchewan opens 2026 as defending champions for the first time since their 2013 title, and every opponent will be gunning for the green and white.
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division — Preseason (Season Opens June 4)
1. Alouettes — 0 pts (0-0-0)
2. Argonauts — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. Tiger-Cats — 0 pts (0-0-0)
4. Redblacks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Western Conference
Western Division — Preseason (Season Opens June 4)
1. Roughriders — 0 pts (0-0-0) ★ Grey Cup Champions
2. Blue Bombers — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. Stampeders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
4. Elks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
5. Lions — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency

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