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Three players have emerged as finalists for the CFL’s George Reed Most Outstanding Player award: Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander, Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot, and Edmonton Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo. The league announced the finalists on Wednesday, highlighting an exceptional season of offensive performances across the country.
Alexander and Philpot Lead Montreal’s Historic Offense
Davis Alexander delivered one of the most productive passing seasons in Alouettes history. He threw for 5,257 yards and 35 touchdowns, making him only the second Montreal player to surpass the 5,000-yard mark. The other is offensive co-ordinator Anthony Calvillo. Alexander also completed 72.1 percent of his passes and led the CFL with 37 completions of 30 or more yards.
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His primary target, Tyson Philpot, had an equally dominant year. The Delta, B.C., native led the entire league in receptions (124), receiving yards (1,809), 30-plus yard catches (14), and yards after the catch (750). Philpot also tied teammate Tyler Snead for the most touchdown receptions, with 13 each. Furthermore, he set new CFL records for catches and receiving yards by a Canadian player in a single season. He is also a finalist for the league’s top Canadian player award.
Fajardo Guides Edmonton to Division Title
Cody Fajardo enjoyed the best season of his career in 2026. The 34-year-old quarterback set personal bests in passing yards (4,788) and touchdown passes (25). His leadership helped Edmonton finish 13-5 and claim the top spot in the West Division for the first time since 2015.
Fajardo also contributed significantly on the ground. He rushed for 517 yards at an average of 5.7 yards per carry and added eight rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat ability made Edmonton one of the CFL’s most complete offensive teams this season.
Defensive and Special Teams Finalists Announced
The CFL also named finalists for its top defensive player award. Toronto linebacker Adarius Pickett recorded a league-leading 116 total tackles and finished second overall with 103 defensive tackles, including six for a loss. He also added 13 special-teams tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
B.C. linebacker Darnell Sankey led the league in defensive plays (136) and defensive tackles (114, including a career-high four for a loss). He also matched a career best with three sacks. Calgary defensive lineman Clarence Hicks rounds out the group. Hicks led the CFL with 12 sacks, appeared in all 18 of Calgary’s regular-season games, and added 24 tackles, three pass knockdowns, and two forced fumbles.
In the special teams category, Winnipeg’s Trey Vaval is chasing back-to-back outstanding special teams honours. No CFL player has ever won the award in consecutive years. Vaval led the league in kick-return yards (2,868) and scored two return touchdowns, including an 88-yard kickoff return and a 120-yard missed field goal return. Calgary’s Tyreik McAllister scored three return touchdowns and posted a career-best 2,691 return yards. Edmonton kicker Vincent Blanchard converted 55 of 59 field goal attempts (93.2 percent) and led the CFL in scoring with 211 points. He also set a league record with nine field goals in Edmonton’s 37-35 overtime win over Hamilton on September 26.
Instead of hosting its traditional awards ceremony, the CFL will deliver results through surprise presentations shared online. Winners will learn of their honours through those personal moments rather than at a formal event.
