As a long-time Argo’s fan (yes, I’m talking about our beloved Toronto Argonauts here), I’m gearing up for the 112th Grey Cup with a mixture of excitement, envy (because our team isn’t there), and hope for next season. This year’s matchup is between the Montreal Alouettes (East champions) and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (West champions), and is set for November 16, 2025, at Mosaic Stadium in Winnipeg.
So what makes this one special? What do the teams bring to the table? And yes, what can the Argos learn (and what I hope they do learn) from these two? Let’s dive in.
Why this Grey Cup has extra sizzle
For Saskatchewan, it’s their first Grey Cup appearance since 2013, ending a long wait for Rider Nation. For Montreal, it’s another chance to prove their resilience after a clutch East Final win (19-16) to punch their ticket. This year’s game also brings a fun location twist at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, hosting the big one for the first time since 2015. The two teams split their regular-season matchups, but Montreal’s big 48-31 road win back in Week 15 still looms large. Add in some of the tightest odds in recent memory, and this Cup feels like a coin flip in the best possible way.
Key Points
- For Saskatchewan, it’s their first Grey Cup appearance since 2013. That long drought gives this a feel-of-destiny vibe.
- For Montreal, they’re returning to the big game after a strong season and a clutch East Final win (19-16) to punch their ticket.
- It’s at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, and it’s the fifth time Winnipeg has hosted the Cup but the first time this venue has done it since 2015.
- The two teams split their regular-season meetings and each come with different momentum and narratives. That balance makes this more intriguing than your average matchup. For example, Montreal handed Saskatchewan a 48-31 road win in Week 15.
- Odds are tight: most early lines have Saskatchewan only slightly favoured, by 1.5 to 3.5 points.
All of that adds up to: This is one to watch. As an Argo’s fan, I’m slightly jealous, but also thrilled for the CFL showing strength with two worthy finalists.
Both teams at a glance
Montreal Alouettes
- Regular season record: 10-8 in 2025.
- They secured the East title and then defeated the Tiger-Cats in the East Final.
- Offensively, they have an emerging star in Tyson Philpot as he had a monster 238 receiving yards and two TDs in that Week 15 win over Saskatchewan. He also hit 804 receiving yards in 2025 in a limited sample.
- Defensively and as a team, they’ve shown resilience: for example, the East Final was tight (19-16) and they delivered when it mattered.
- Coach: Jason Maas; GM: Danny Maciocia.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Regular season record: 12-6 in 2025, 1st in the West.
- They beat the BC Lions 24-21 in the West Final to reach the Cup.
- Their veteran QB Trevor Harris has big stakes as he’s chasing that legacy win.
- The Riders excelled in clutch defence and timely offensive drives (the West Final stat sheet: HB A.J. Ouellette ran for 113 yards in that game).
- Coach: Corey Mace; GM: Jeremy O’Day.
What to watch for in the game
- Can Montreal get their passing game going early? With Philpot and others, if the QB (Davis Alexander) is sharp, they’ve got weapons.
- Will Saskatchewan’s defence slow down Montreal’s receivers and make big plays when it matters (especially in tight moments)?
- Time-of-possession and field position will matter: in games like the West Final and East Final the teams that executed in key moments won.
- Turnovers: crucial. The Riders forced key stops and turnovers to win in the West Final.
- Momentum: Montreal has some confidence from that big win over Saskatchewan in Week 15; Saskatchewan has confidence from their seven-year wait and the way they won the West Final.
- Weather/conditions: Winnipeg in mid-November isn’t forgiving. Teams that handle the elements and execute under pressure will pop.
The entertainment lineup
This year’s Grey Cup isn’t just big on the field as it’s set to be electric off it too. Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) will headline the Bud Light Halftime Show, bringing his high-energy mix of punk rock and hip-hop flair to Winnipeg’s biggest stage. Before kickoff, Canadian alt-rock legends Our Lady Peace will light things up at the SiriusXM Grey Cup Kickoff Show, while Manitoba’s own Catie St. Germain will honour the country with her rendition of the national anthem.
And while it’s great to see an international star like MGK taking the spotlight, I can’t help but think how much I’d love to see more Canadian artists headlining our biggest national stage. The Grey Cup has such a proud Canadian heartbeat and it just feels right when our homegrown talent gets to shine. Our music scene is stacked with incredible performers, and normalizing Canadian artists as the main acts for events like this would only make the celebration feel that much more authentic.
Between the music lineup and the on-field drama, fans are in for one unforgettable night.
Why I’m leaning Toward Montreal
As much as I hate to pick against the Riders (okay, maybe I don’t mind too much), I’m giving the slight edge to Montreal for the following reasons:
- They’ve beaten Saskatchewan recently (Week 15) in a big, high-scoring road win (48-31) and that gives them belief.
- Their young receivers (Philpot especially) are coming into form and that explosive big-play ability can tilt the game.
- A tight, low-scoring final suits them: they showed the ability to win one-possession games (19-16 vs Hamilton in the East Final).
- As an Argo’s fan watching from afar, I sense that Montreal has maybe a little more to prove and that hunger sometimes matters in these showdowns.
That said, this is close enough that Saskatchewan absolutely has a shot and their defence, experience, and clutch game wins give them a serious threat so I’ll pick Montreal by 3 points.
What our Argos can learn for next year
- Consistency in big moments: Both Montreal and Saskatchewan have found ways to win tight playoff games. Toronto might reflect: when it gets tight, how do we finish?
- Build around playmakers: Montreal’s receiver corps and Saskatchewan’s RB/defence combo show the value of having go-to guys. Toronto will want that.
- Coaching and roster depth matter: these teams have strong leadership and have built rosters that can absorb mistakes and stay competitive.
- Mental toughness and momentum: looking at Saskatchewan’s drought and Montreal’s resurgence shows how staying hungry and focused pays.
- Adaptation: Whether it’s weather, travel, or opponent, both teams have handled adversity. Argo’s next year will need that mentality.
I REALLY hope that next season I’m writing a blog with the Argos making the Cup, but until then, I’ll be watching and cheering from afar, learning from these two.
Final wrap
So there you have it: the 112th Grey Cup is set, it’s loaded with storylines, and it’s poised to be a memorable one. My pick: Montreal takes it, but keep an eye on Saskatchewan because they’re dangerous.
And to my Argos: stay tuned. Learn from this. Grow. I’ll be back next year, hoping to write our story.
Here’s to a great game, and here’s to better days ahead for Toronto.
