The 2026 CFL training camps have officially kicked off, and with them, the anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable. As the weather in Southern Ontario may not be warm, the real heat is in the positional battles across Canada, with the backup quarterback position at the forefront of the drama. The Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats are all set for intriguing battles as new faces vie for the role of established veterans' replacements.
Calgary Stampeders: A Battle for the Backup Spot
The Calgary Stampeders find themselves in a unique situation with the retirement of P.J. Walker and no established backup like Edmonton's Taylor Powell behind Cody Fajardo. The team is turning to local talent, with Quincy Vaughn, a star at Clarkson's Football North in Ontario, serving as the team's short-yardage quarterback last year. Vaughn's versatility and athletic abilities make him a strong contender, but the backup position is also up for grabs with Josh Love and Ben Wooldridge in the mix. Love saw some action in Week 20 against Toronto, while Wooldridge, a Sun Belt conference 2024 winner for Offensive Player of the Year, brings a unique skill set to the table. The Stampeders' training camp will reveal whether they have another Canadian quarterback in the pipeline.
Saskatchewan Roughriders: Tommy Stevens vs. Jack Coan
The Saskatchewan Roughriders, fresh off their 112th Grey Cup championship victory, are gearing up for another run at glory. However, the team's quarterback situation is a cause for concern, with 39-year-old Trevor Harris' passing attempts uncertain. Tommy Stevens, a short-yardage specialist with a conversion rate of 91.7, is in the running for the backup job. His two-year extension signed by Jeremy O'Day in December shows the team's faith in him. However, with only 21 pass attempts in his career, Stevens' ceiling as a quarterback is a topic of speculation. Jack Coan, a former Notre Dame star with a memorable Fiesta Bowl performance, is also in the mix. Coan's third year with the organization and his potential to step in seamlessly after Jake Maier's departure make him a strong contender. The battle between Stevens and Coan will be a fascinating one, with the team's future at stake.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: The Heir Apparent
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' quarterback succession plan is a hot topic, with Zach Collaros, a Hall of Fame quarterback, leading the team. The Bombers brought in Jarell Broxton and Tim White to see if Collaros has one last elite run in him. However, the question remains: who will be the heir apparent to the 37-year-old Collaros? Terry Wilson, a reliable third-stringer who stepped in for Chris Streveler when he got hurt, is the logical choice. Wilson's experience and ability to perform in crucial moments make him a strong contender. The real intrigue lies with Taylor Elgersma, a 2025 second-round pick who dominated U SPORTS football at Wilfrid Laurier. Elgersma's rise, including becoming the first Canadian quarterback to start at a Canadian university to play in the Senior Bowl, has stirred up patriotic feelings. The battle between Wilson and Elgersma for the backup job promises to be a captivating one, with the potential for a Canadian quarterback to rise to prominence.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Tre Ford's Journey
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats' backup quarterback situation is a tale of contrast. Jake Dolegala, standing at six-foot-seven, had a successful training camp, with less talk about his height and more about his progression as a passer. His competition is Tre Ford, a player with a captivating passport and powers. Ford's inconsistent performances in Edmonton, ranging from All-CFLer potential to inconsistency, add to the intrigue. The Tiger-Cats' backup quarterback journey is a reminder of Bo Levi Mitchell's journey, who went from the game's best quarterback to being benched and then reclaiming his spot as a top passer. The lessons learned from Mitchell's journey will be valuable for all the backups in the league.
