TORONTO — The wait is almost over.

Months after the Saskatchewan Roughriders lifted the 112th Grey Cup, CFL football officially returns with preseason action. The 2026 preseason kicks off on Monday, May 18, when the Calgary Stampeders host the Roughriders at McMahon Stadium at 3:00 p.m. ET.

While the games don’t count in the standings, preseason offers fans their first glimpse at new players, position battles and storylines ahead of the 2026 campaign.

From quarterback rotations to roster battles and the return of football across Canada, CFL.ca brings you five things to watch during the preseason slate.

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