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A notable name was left off this list, AJ Ouellette, the league\u2019s second-leading rusher in 2025 (1,222 yards). There was a simple explanation.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t say AJ Ouellette because that\u2019s my dog and I haven\u2019t played against him yet,\u201d smiled Allen of his former teammate.<\/p>\n Here are Allen\u2019s toughest running backs to play against.<\/p>\n 1. JUSTIN RANKIN | EDMONTON ELKS<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The first name on Allen\u2019s list was Edmonton Elks running back Justin Rankin.<\/p>\n The five-foot-10, 210-pounder was difficult to stop in 2025, especially when he got into the open field. His 90-yard rush against Calgary in Week 14 was the longest by any running back last season and he led the league in rushes longer than 20 yards (12).<\/p>\n \u201c(He has) speed, power, ball carrier vision, ball control, (he) never fumbles, and he can do it running and passing,\u201d said Allen. \u201cThey can just give him a check down and he\u2019s sliding to the crib.\u201d<\/p>\n 2. DEDRICK MILLS | CALGARY STAMPEDERS<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Dedrick Mills, the workhorse in Cowtown, was next on Allen\u2019s list. Mills finished last season with 1,409 yards on the ground, earning the rushing crown. He was also counted on to move the chains, recording 46 runs of 10+ yards, 15 more than second-place Brady Oliveira.<\/p>\n Mills was tough to tackle, forcing 51 missed tackles in 2025, just two fewer than leader Rankin, according to PFF.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s physical and he\u2019s one of those guys that, no matter how many times you hit him, he\u2019s gonna get back up,\u201d Allen said. \u201cHe\u2019s just fine taking bruising.\u201d<\/p>\n 3. JAMES BUTLER | BC LIONS<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n James Butler enjoyed the best season of his career in 2025 (1,213 yards) and he impressed Allen enough to put him at No. 3 on his list.<\/p>\n Butler is a dual-threat running back, taking handoffs and catching passes out of the backfield. The 31-year-old is also tough to tackle, finishing just behind Rankin and Mills in missed tackles forced (43), according to PFF.<\/p>\n \u201cI like James as a running back because he can do running and passing, and then he can make people miss,\u201d said Allen. \u201cHe\u2019s always in balance, so he\u2019s able to shift people and go different directions a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n 4. BRADY OLIVEIRA | WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n When explaining what makes Brady Oliveira special and why he\u2019s been included in the linebacker\u2019s rankings, Allen only had one thing to say.<\/p>\n \u201cThey give him the ball a ton,\u201d laughed Allen.<\/p>\n Oliveira has been the engine that powers the Blue Bombers offence since he became the feature running back, and 2025 was no exception. Known for his bully-ball style of play, the five-foot-10, 226-pounder took 201 handoffs last season, racking up 1,163 yards in 15 games. Winnipeg also relied on Oliveira in checkdown situations, hauling in a career-high 61 passes last season for 546 yards, 466 of which came after the catch.<\/p>\n Strong in pass protection as well, Oliveira has been a trusted outlet for the Bombers\u2019 offence.<\/p>\n 5. GREG BELL | OTTAWA REDBLACKS<\/p>\n HAVE YOURSELF A DAY GREG BELL!<\/p>\n A personal best 146 rushing yards and now a touchdown as well!#CFLGameDay<\/a>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Season-Predictor-1270x415-1.jpg\")
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