TORONTO — Offensive stars tend to receive much of the attention, but plenty of defensive players have delivered outstanding performances throughout the first half of the 2026 CFL season.

From disruptive pass rushers to versatile linebackers and playmaking defensive backs, several defenders have built strong cases as the best at their respective positions.

These rankings consider CFL statistics, PFF grades and selections to CFL.ca’s midseason All-CFL team. With many of the leading candidates still taking the field in Week 11, here are the top three players at each level of the defence and how the remaining games could reshape the conversation.

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CLARENCE HICKS | CALGARY STAMPEDERS

MATHIEU BETTS | BC LIONS

JAKE CERESNA/WILLIE JEFFERSON | WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

Jake Ceresna joins the party 🕺 Ceresna joins Betts and Jefferson III with 6 sacks to tie for the league-lead! 🗓️: Lions vs. Blue Bombers LIVE NOW 📺: TSN, RDS and CFL #CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/uf9PZl4UHN — CFL (@CFL) July 31, 2026

Jake Ceresna joins the party 🕺

Ceresna joins Betts and Jefferson III with 6 sacks to tie for the league-lead!

🗓️: Lions vs. Blue Bombers LIVE NOW 📺: TSN, RDS and CFL #CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/uf9PZl4UHN

— CFL (@CFL) July 31, 2026

Clarence Hicks, Mathieu Betts, Jake........

© CFL