As the 2026 season approaches, CFL.ca has a new series making the case for every team as a contender to win the 113th Grey Cup, highlighting three reasons why each club has a path to the championship. The series is not intended to make predictions, but to showcase the strengths and potential routes for each team entering the new campaign.<\/p>\n
EDMONTON \u2014 The Edmonton Elks didn\u2019t qualify for the Grey Cup Playoffs in 2025, but the season told a more complicated story than their 7-11 record suggests.<\/p>\n
A slow start gave way to stretches of progress, and by year\u2019s end, a foundation of a competitive team had taken shape. Heading into 2026, the question is how quickly that foundation turns into results.<\/p>\n
Ahead of their season opener against the Ottawa REDBLACKS on June 6, CFL.ca brings you three reasons why the Edmonton Elks could win the 113th Grey Cup.<\/p>\n
RELATED 1. A NEW FOUNDATION FOR JUSTIN RANKIN<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Justin Rankin emerged as one of the CFL\u2019s most productive players in 2025.<\/p>\n The second-year running back led the league with 1,726 yards from scrimmage and 52 missed tackles forced, according to PFF. With over 1,000 rushing yards and 700 receiving, the most receiving yards by any back last season, he was just as effective in the air as he was on the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not only what I believe is the best running back in the league right now, he\u2019s also one of the best pass-catching backs,\u201d said Hamilton receiver Kenny Lawler<\/a> during the CFL\u2019s off-season content capture in April.<\/p>\n The Elks focused on strengthening their offensive line this past off-season, bringing in Coulter Woodmansey<\/a>, Brendan Bordner<\/a> and Jordan Murray<\/a>. After allowing the second most sacks as a team (52), general manager Ed Hervey made it a priority to build from the trenches out.<\/p>\n For Rankin, that mean more even chances to impact games with his rushing and pass-catching skills.<\/p>\n 2. DEFENCE READY TO TAKE OFF<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t the start to 2025 that J.C. Sherritt<\/a> envisioned in his first year as Elks defensive coordinator.<\/p>\n Edmonton allowed over 30 points in each of its first five games and entered its Week 7 bye at 1-4. Out of the break, the unit flipped. The Elks held opponents under 30 points in seven straight games and finished the season fifth in points allowed.<\/p>\n That shift came with a younger core stepping into key roles.<\/p>\n Joel Dublanko led the team with 80 tackles after taking over at middle linebacker. In the secondary, J.J. Ross and Tyrell Ford<\/a> provided stability as the unit began to generate more stops.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have all the pieces to finally do it,\u201d said Ford. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a complete defence\u2026 but we\u2019ve gotta go prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n The one area that didn\u2019t follow that same upward trend was the pass rush. Edmonton finished with 24 sacks, third fewest in the CFL.<\/p>\n
\u00bb\u00a03 reasons why Saskatchewan could win the 113th Grey Cup<\/a>
\u00bb 3 reasons why Calgary could win the 113th Grey Cup<\/a>
\u00bb\u00a03 reasons why Winnipeg could win the 113th Grey Cup<\/a>
\u00bb\u00a03 reasons why Montreal could win the 113th Grey Cup<\/a>
\u00bb\u00a0Subscribe to the CFL\u2019s newsletter for exclusive offers and league updates<\/a><\/p>\n