As the CFL season kicks off, there’s a buzz in the air—but for the Calgary Stampeders, it’s a buzz mixed with a fair bit of uncertainty. The team’s return to the playoffs last season was a triumph, especially after their 18-year postseason streak was snapped in 2024. But now, they’re staring down a familiar challenge: replacing key talent lost to the NFL. Personally, I think this is where the rubber meets the road for any franchise. It’s easy to celebrate a successful season, but sustaining that success when your star players leave? That’s the real test of a team’s depth and strategy.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the scale of the talent exodus. Defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings, linebacker Jacob Roberts, and receiver Damien Alford—three cornerstone players—have all moved on. Add to that the retirements of veterans like Dominique Rhymes and Adam Bighill, and you’ve got a roster with some gaping holes. In my opinion, the Stampeders’ ability to fill these voids will define not just their 2026 season, but their long-term trajectory.
Let’s start with the offense, where the Stampeders seem to have a plan. The acquisition of Dejon Brissett from the Toronto Argonauts is a smart move. Brissett’s 2025 season was a breakout year, and his experience—including two Grey Cup wins—brings a level of maturity to the receiver room. What many people don’t realize is that Brissett’s Canadian status also adds flexibility to the roster, which is crucial in the CFL. Pair him with veterans like Clark Barnes and Reggie Begelton, and you’ve got a solid foundation. The addition of rookie wideouts Jesulayomi Ojutalayo and Matt Sibley is a gamble, but it’s a calculated one. If you take a step back and think about it, this receiver corps could be one of the league’s most balanced by season’s end.
But here’s where it gets tricky: the defense. Replacing Hutchings and Roberts is no small feat. Hutchings, in particular, was a game-changer with his ability to generate pressure from the interior. Charles Wiley could step into that role, but let’s be honest—he’s not Hutchings. Wiley has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency will be key. At linebacker, the Stampeders seem to be betting on Canadian talent, with Micah Teitz and Kaylyn St-Cyr leading the charge. Teitz is a reliable run defender, but he’s not the playmaker Roberts was. Eric Rascoe, their sixth-overall draft pick, is an intriguing prospect, but he’s unproven at this level.
What this really suggests is that the Stampeders’ defense might take a step back this season. And that raises a deeper question: Can their offense carry the load? If Bo Levi Mitchell and the receiving corps can put up points in bunches, the defense might not need to be elite. But if the offense sputters—which is always a risk with rookie receivers—the team could be in trouble.
One thing that immediately stands out is the Stampeders’ reliance on youth and unproven talent. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—every team needs to rebuild at some point. But it’s a risky strategy, especially when you’re trying to maintain a playoff streak. From my perspective, the Stampeders are walking a tightrope this season. If everything clicks, they could surprise a lot of people. But if the young players struggle to adapt, it could be a long year.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the team’s decision to lean on Canadian talent, particularly on defense. It’s a smart move in terms of roster management, but it also reflects a broader trend in the CFL. As the NFL continues to poach top talent, CFL teams are increasingly looking inward to build their rosters. This could be the start of a new era for the league—one where Canadian players take center stage.
Looking ahead, the Stampeders’ 2026 season will be a referendum on their ability to adapt. Can they replace the talent they’ve lost? Can they develop their young players into stars? These are the questions that will define their season. Personally, I think they’ll make the playoffs—but it won’t be easy. The CFL is a tough league, and the Stampeders are in for a fight.
In the end, what this season really comes down to is resilience. The Stampeders have been one of the CFL’s most consistent franchises for two decades. Now, they’re being tested in a new way. Will they rise to the challenge, or will they falter? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this season will be a fascinating one to watch.
