Mills, Oliveira among CFL players to watch in 2026

The 2026 CFL season begins Thursday in Hamilton, and The Canadian Press highlighted several players to follow this year, excluding quarterbacks. Among the top names are Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira, who is aiming for a fifth straight 1,000yard rushing season, and Calgary running back Dedrick Mills, last year’s league rushing leader. The list also includes B.C. defensive end Mathieu Betts, B.C. receiver Keon Hatcher Sr., and Hamilton receiver Kenny Lawler, who posted strong numbers in his first season with the TigerCats. The article also points to key defensive and specialteams contributors such as Wynton McManis, Adarius Pickett, Micah Awe, Tyrice Beverette, A.J. Allen, Trey Vaval, Josh Rankin, Tevaughn Campbell, Darnell Sankey, and Isaac AdeyemiBerglund as the league prepares for a new season.