Samwise CFL Newsletter
Monday, June 8, 2026
Alouettes Edge Tiger-Cats 30–27 in Overtime Season Opener
HAMILTON — Davis Alexander extended his record-setting start as a CFL quarterback, leading the Montreal Alouettes to a 30-27 overtime victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 2026 season opener. Trailing 24-10 in the third quarter, Montreal sparked a comeback when defensive back Robert Kennedy III returned a Bo Levi Mitchell interception 54 yards for a touchdown. Alexander found Tyson Philpot to tie it in the fourth, and after Hamilton retook the lead, José Maltos Díaz’s 29-yard field goal on the final play forced overtime. In the extra frame, Kabion Ento’s fumble recovery set up Maltos Díaz’s walk-off 17-yarder, lifting Alexander to a perfect 12-0 in regular season starts.
Sources: CFL.ca
Castillo’s Walk-Off Field Goal Lifts Blue Bombers Past Stampeders
CALGARY — Sergio Castillo’s walk-off 38-yard field goal capped a dramatic Winnipeg Blue Bombers comeback, lifting them to a 30-28 season-opening win over the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium. Brady Oliveira rushed for 113 yards, extending his CFL record to seven consecutive regular season games with 100-plus rushing yards. Newcomers Tim White caught a touchdown pass and Jake Ceresna recorded three sacks in their Bombers debuts. Replacement kicker Jude McAtamney, in for the injured René Paredes, missed a crucial 45-yard attempt late in regulation. Vernon Adams Jr. finished with 239 yards and two touchdowns for Calgary, while Dedrick Mills added 112 rushing yards in the losing effort.
Sources: CFL.ca
Justin Rankin Powers Elks to Season-Opening Win Over REDBLACKS
OTTAWA — Running back Justin Rankin powered the Edmonton Elks to a 29-21 season-opening victory over the Ottawa REDBLACKS with 196 all-purpose yards. After a quiet first half, Rankin broke free for a 63-yard catch-and-run to set up a field goal, then added a 61-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the game away. Cody Fajardo passed for 266 yards and a touchdown, recording his 50th career CFL win while improving to 10-1 against Ottawa. Vincent Blanchard converted all five of his field goal attempts. Jake Maier passed for 203 yards in his REDBLACKS debut, but Ottawa was hurt by three first-half turnovers and 100 yards in penalties.
Sources: CFL.ca
Brandon Banks Surprised With Canadian Football Hall of Fame Induction
HAMILTON — Former Tiger-Cats receiver Brandon Banks was surprised with his Canadian Football Hall of Fame induction during the 2026 season opener, becoming the first inductee named to the Class of 2026. Known as ‘Speedy B,’ Banks played 127 games across nine seasons (2013–22) with Hamilton and Toronto. He holds the CFL record for missed field goal return touchdowns (five), ranks third all-time with 13 kick-return majors, and earned the 2019 Most Outstanding Player award on the strength of 112 receptions, 1,550 yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns. A five-time Grey Cup participant, Banks captured the championship with Toronto in 2022. The induction ceremony takes place September 17 in Hamilton.
Sources: CFL.ca
Dinwiddie’s Ottawa Debut Marred by Penalties and Turnovers
OTTAWA — Ryan Dinwiddie’s debut as Ottawa REDBLACKS head coach ended in a 29-21 loss to Edmonton, marred by self-inflicted mistakes. Ottawa was penalized 24 times for 100 yards and turned the ball over four times, with eight of 16 possessions going three-and-out. Dinwiddie, serving as his own offensive coordinator, drew scrutiny for calling 37 passes against 14 handoffs despite Daniel Adeboboye averaging 7.3 yards per carry, finishing with 87 yards and a touchdown. Ottawa opened the season with their seventh different starting quarterback in eight years, with Jake Maier completing 22 of 37 for 203 yards. The Redblacks have two weeks before hosting Toronto in Week 3.
Sources: 3DownNation
Tiger-Cats Enter Week 2 with Linebacker, Offensive Line Injury Concerns
TORONTO — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats head into Week 2 with injury concerns at linebacker and on the offensive line, as three players appeared on their first injury report of the week ahead of Thursday’s game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Linebacker Braxton Hill (calf) and offensive lineman Chris Kolankowski (groin) were listed as limited at Sunday’s practice, while linebacker Wynton McManis (knee) did not participate. The Bombers reported no players on their initial report after not practicing Sunday. Hamilton looks to bounce back from their overtime season-opening loss to Montreal. The two teams meet Thursday, June 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
Sources: CFL.ca
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division
1. Montreal Alouettes — 2 pts (1-0-0)
2. Toronto Argonauts — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats — 0 pts (0-1-0)
4. Ottawa REDBLACKS — 0 pts (0-1-0)
Western Conference
Western Division
1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers — 2 pts (1-0-0)
1. Edmonton Elks — 2 pts (1-0-0)
3. Saskatchewan Roughriders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. BC Lions — 0 pts (0-0-0)
5. Calgary Stampeders — 0 pts (0-1-0)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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