As the 2026 season approaches, CFL.ca is here to catch you up with the 5 Things To Know series. Each article will look at key storylines facing each team this season, while examining off-season movement and where your team might stand in 2026.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ 2025 campaign ended with Alouettes kicker José Maltos Díaz booting the game-winning field goal with no time left in the Eastern Final.

They saw their 11-7 season sail through the uprights, sending those wearing black and gold home a week earlier than they had hoped.

Hamilton was that close to playing in the 112th Grey Cup. That close to trying to snap the long-standing Grey Cup drought in the Hammer.

That was then, however, and this is now.

With a few key additions on both sides of the ball and some returning faces ready for redemption, the Tabbies are ready to take on the 2026 campaign with unfinished business.

“I’m just taking in the pain,” said receiver Kenny Lawler. “What it felt like, the heartbreak of not being able to go to the Grey Cup, I’m bringing that with me. I use that pain to be able to fuel me and be able to give me something to chase and ultimately want to correct.”

As Lawler and his team get ready for their season kickoff on June 4 against the same Alouettes that eliminated them last year, here are five things to know about the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

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AN ABUNDANCE OF RICHES AT RECEIVER

One of the top passing offences in the CFL called Hamilton home in........

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