8 Overlooked Players Left Off TSN’s Top 50 CFL Players List for 2026

TSN’s top 50 CFL players list for 2026 has already sparked debate among fans, and that reaction is exactly what makes annual rankings so difficult. No list of elite CFL talent will satisfy everyone, especially when supporters and players tend to disagree strongly about which names deserve inclusion and where they should be placed. But even with that controversy, the league’s depth of talent is clear, and several players who were left off the list would have been deserving candidates.

Among the most notable omissions is BC Lions defensive lineman Jonah Tavai. In 2025, he produced five sacks, five tackles for loss and 26 total tackles in just 13 games, impressive numbers for an interior defender. He also made an impact in the playoffs, recording a sack in BC’s Western Semi-Final win over Calgary. If he stays healthy, he looks like a strong candidate to appear on next year’s list.

Toronto Argonauts kicker Lirim Hajrullahu is another player who could easily have earned a spot. While some may have expected José Maltos Díaz after leading the CFL in scoring, Hajrullahu stood out for his ability to convert difficult long-range kicks. He led the league with 25 field goals from 40-plus yards and was the only kicker to surpass 2,000 total yards on made field goals, showing how valuable he was in pressure situations.

Ottawa Redblacks receiver and returner Kalil Pimpleton also deserved consideration because of his explosiveness on special teams and offense. He finished second in total yards and posted a massive 285 all-purpose yards in a Week 11 loss in Winnipeg. With DeVonte Dedmon now in Montreal, Pimpleton may be asked to take on an even bigger role in Ottawa this season.

Edmonton Elks running back and returner Javon Leake was another omission worth noting. He led the CFL in combined yardage with 2,424 yards, even though his rushing totals dipped due to Justin Rankin’s emergence. Leake remains one of the league’s most dangerous big-play threats, capable of turning routine plays into long gains.

On the offensive line, Hamilton Tiger-Cats right tackle Quinton Barrow made a strong case after starting every game and helping protect quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who led the league with 626 pass attempts. Barrow also earned East Division All-CFL recognition and was ranked by Pro Football Focus as the second-best run-blocking offensive tackle in the league.

Ottawa running back Greg Bell put together a career year as well, rushing for 1,038 yards and adding 426 receiving yards on 62 catches in 15 games. His production made a strong argument for inclusion among the CFL’s top 50 players.

Toronto defensive back Tarvarus McFadden tied for the league lead with six interceptions and added 43 tackles, earning East Division All-CFL honours. Although Toronto’s defense struggled overall, McFadden’s individual play was still top-tier.

Finally, Montreal offensive lineman Justin Lawrence continued to excel despite chaos at quarterback, with four different starters taking snaps for the Alouettes. A proven veteran and three-time Grey Cup winner, Lawrence remains one of the league’s most reliable linemen and could easily reclaim a place on the list in 2027.