Recapping the Regular Season

It’s been a season like no other, with more to be added to the story.

In February 2024 it was announced that the FIFA World Cup was coming to Toronto. They’d be playing games a handful of games at BMO Field, meaning the Argos would have to move its operation to the training camp facilities at the University of Guelph, then play seven straight road games to open the season, with the first nine games played in nine different stadiums.

Beginning a season with such an extreme competitive disadvantage was tough enough but doing it with an almost brand-new coaching staff added to the challenge. Mike Miller would be elevated from quarterbacks coach to head coach. Special teams coordinator Mickey Donovan was the only coach to retain his portfolio from the previous regime, while Dom Picard would move from coaching running backs to the offensive line.

The season started as one would expect; inconsistent play highlighted by an impressive win over the defending Grey Cup champs in Regina, but followed by Toronto’s worst stretch of the season, a 22-point blowout in Calgary, a self-inflicted loss in Winnipeg, and a heart-wrenching last-play defeat in Hamilton.

It was after that game in The Hammer that the Argos turned the corner. Their 2-4 record gave way to a 7-2 run, the lone losses coming in Edmonton and Regina.

Players returning to the lineup have been a key component of the Argos success. Chad Kelly was back after missing all of 2025 with a leg injury. Ralph Holley came back from the NFL and was an impact player on the defensive line. DaShaun Amos headed back down the QEW after a year with the Ticats. Adarius Pickett also came back to The 6ix after a couple of years in Ottawa. He continued his outstanding level of play and should get serious consideration as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

Perhaps the most surprising homecoming came on July 20 when Shawn Lemon signed, returning to Toronto for the first time since 2019. He made an immediate impact, recording eight sacks in his first five games.

Newcomers also made significant contributions, including defensive backs Bubba Bolden and James Ceasar, and free-agent acquisition, defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo. The biggest splash was made by receiver Tyler Kahmann out of Division 3 Emporia State, who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and leads the team with eight touchdown catches heading into the final regular season game of the season.

A home playoff game was clinched on September 19 when the Boatmen defeated the Edmonton Elks at BMO Field. They now await this weekend’s results to see if they face the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, or Calgary Stampeders. The game will be played Saturday, October 31 at 1:00 at BMO Field.

Tickets are available at Argonauts.ca. An adult ticket will get you two free tickets for youths 12 and under. The first 15,000 fans will also receive a “Tricks, Treats, and Touchdowns” Argos tote bag, perfect for use later that night.