Calgary Stampeders open season Friday against defending champs
Winnipeg visits McMahon Stadium as Calgary chases Grey Cup hosting rights. Team looks stronger after turnaround season.
The Calgary Stampeders open their regular season Friday night against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers — a playoff-feel matchup that sets the tone for a team hungry to host the Grey Cup at home in November.
Calgary rebounded from its worst season in over two decades last year with an 11-7 record, narrowly losing to B.C. in the West Division semifinal. Now, with quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. entering his second season and running back Dedrick Mills — the CFL's rushing leader — back in the fold, the team believes it's built to make a run.
"We had a great, competitive training camp," Adams said. "We've got a playoff contender team coming in our house this week, so it's playoff feel. Winnipeg, they're coming to bring it, so it's time to turn up the heat a little bit."
Veteran kicker René Paredes, in his 15th season and a two-time Grey Cup winner with Calgary, said the team isn't shying away from its goal. "We know the Grey Cup is here," Paredes said. "We're not afraid to say it. We just take one week at a time and get to our goal."
Adams has the advantage of a full off-season after joining mid-year in 2025. He's working with new receiving weapons after the departures of top catchers Dominique Rhymes and Damien Alford. Jalen Philpot is expected to step into a larger role.
Defensively, reinforcements arrived on the eve of the season. Folarin Orimolade returned to practice this week after tearing his Achilles last September. Jaylon Hutchings, waived by Minnesota in April, signed a three-year deal through 2028.
Calgary goes 2-0 in pre-season. Now the real test begins.