Week 1 of the 2025 CFL season is officially in the books, and boy did it deliver. All four home teams came away with wins, setting the stage for what could be an exciting year across the league.
As always, 3DownNation has taken a look at the top performers and handed out its weekly awards. Let’s break down who earned recognition and why they made such a big impact in the opening week.
Offensive Player of the Week: Nathan Rourke, B.C. Lions
If you were looking for a sign that Nathan Rourke was ready to take over as B.C.’s QB1 again, Week 1 delivered it in spades.
The Victoria native completed 75% of his passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a convincing 31–14 win over the Edmonton Elks. He also added 54 rushing yards, showing off the mobility that makes him so dangerous when he gets outside the pocket.
At just 27, Rourke looks poised for a monster season — and if this performance is any indication, opposing defenses better start game-planning accordingly.
Honourable mention: Samuel Emilus, Saskatchewan Roughriders
Defensive Player of the Week: Marquel Lee, Calgary Stampeders
Marquel Lee might be new to the CFL, but he didn’t play like it.
In his first career start, the former NFL linebacker racked up 10 tackles and set the tone defensively for a Calgary team looking to bounce back after a rough 2024 season. His ability to shut down Hamilton’s run game — holding Greg Bell to just 14 yards on eight carries — showed exactly why he was brought in.
Lee was physical, fast, and all over the field — a perfect fit for what Calgary needs from its linebackers.
Honourable mention: Malik Carney, Saskatchewan Roughriders
Special Teams Player of the Week: Alexandre Gagné, Montreal Alouettes
You don’t see many 33-year-olds making highlight reels — but Alexandre Gagné isn’t your average special teams ace.
Gagné recorded seven special teams tackles in Montreal’s 28–10 win over Toronto, tying the CFL single-game record. That kind of hustle doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when it helps completely neutralize a dangerous returner like Calvin Turner Jr.
This wasn’t just a one-off performance either — Gagné now has 111 special teams tackles in his career, proving consistency at the highest level.
Honourable mention: Isaiah Wooden, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Breakout Player of the Week: Stanley Berryhill III, B.C. Lions
Stanley Berryhill III had himself a coming-out party in Week 1.
The five-foot-ten receiver caught six balls for 105 yards and two touchdowns, stepping up big time for a Lions offense that needed someone to step into the spotlight. With veterans like Justin McInnis and Keon Hatcher already on the roster, Berryhill gave the coaching staff something to think about moving forward.
Honourable mention: Thomas Bertrand-Hudon, Saskatchewan Roughriders
Offensive Line of the Week: Saskatchewan Roughriders
Despite dealing with injuries on the offensive line — including losing rookie starter Payton Collins mid-game — the Riders’ front five held strong.
They allowed zero sacks and opened consistent lanes for Bertrand-Hudon to have a breakout day on the ground. Injuries are inevitable in football, but how a team responds speaks volumes — and Saskatchewan passed the test.
Honourable mention: Calgary Stampeders
Coach of the Week: Dave Dickenson, Calgary Stampeders
Dave Dickenson entered 2025 under pressure — and he responded by leading Calgary to a solid 38–26 win over Hamilton.
Vernon Adams Jr. struggled with turnovers, but the team controlled the line of scrimmage, ran the ball effectively, and got clutch kicking from Rene Paredes. It was exactly the kind of balanced effort a rebuilding team needs to start the year.
Honourable mention: Buck Pierce, B.C. Lions
Best Play of the Week: Tre Ford, Edmonton Elks
Tre Ford continues to defy logic — and physics.
In Week 1, he somehow evaded multiple B.C. defenders for nearly ten seconds before launching a deep completion to Justin Rankin on third down. At one point, Ford was 29 yards behind the line of scrimmage . That’s not a typo.
His athleticism and improvisational skills make him must-watch TV every time he steps on the field.
Honourable mention: Tyrice Beverette, Montreal Alouettes
Worst Play of the Week: Nick Arbuckle, Toronto Argonauts
Nick Arbuckle had a rough moment late in the first half.
Trying to avoid pressure, he stepped up in the pocket and lost control of the ball while attempting a throw. Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund scooped it up and scored — and that turned out to be the game-winning points for Montreal.
It was one of three turnovers on the night for Arbuckle, who still has time to bounce back — but this one hurt badly.
Honourable mention: Joe Couch, Saskatchewan Roughriders
Best Game of the Week: Ottawa Redblacks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders
There was everything you could want in a season opener: a 400-yard passer, three 100-yard receivers, late drama, and a surprise hero.
Dru Brown spread the ball around well, and the atmosphere at Mosaic Stadium was electric — though the crowd size left something to be desired. Still, this was a great showcase of what the CFL can offer when both teams bring their best.
Honourable mention: Edmonton Elks vs. B.C. Lions
Worst Game of the Week: Toronto Argonauts vs. Montreal Alouettes
It wasn’t bad — just forgettable.
Toronto’s offense sputtered, Montreal relied more than usual on the run game, and the Argos never really threatened late. On the bright side, the stadium finally banned air horns — a small win for fans’ ears.
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