TORONTO — The wait is over.

After an eventful off-season filled with coaching changes, marquee free-agent signings and plenty of roster turnover, the 2026 CFL season is set to kick off this Thursday with the Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats battling at Hamilton Stadium.

With meaningful football finally on the horizon, it’s time for the first edition of the AMSOIL Power Rankings. The defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders open the year at No. 1, but they’ll have plenty of company near the top from a loaded West Division and an Alouettes squad looking to get back to the Grey Cup.

As always, these rankings are based on where teams stand right now, taking into account last season’s performance, off-season moves and what we’ve seen through training camp and preseason action.

RELATED » MMQB: Who’s going to win Most Outstanding Player? » CFL players reveal anonymous 2026 Power Rankings » 9 non-quarterbacks who could define the 2026 CFL season » Zach’s Scouting Report: Collaros ranks the CFL’s defences » Subscribe to the CFL’s newsletter for exclusive offers and league updates

1. Saskatchewan Roughriders

2025 Record: 12-6, won the 112th Grey CupFirst Up 2026: vs. BC, June 13

Worth noting: Sure, it was only three passes, but Trevor Harris looked as efficient as ever in preseason (3-of-3, 82 yards), reinforcing the belief that Saskatchewan remains the team to beat........

© CFL