3DownNation Podcast

John Hodge and JC Abbott make their picks for Week 1 in the 2026 CFL season straight-up and against the spread.Montreal Alouettes at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+2.5)Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Calgary Stampeders (+1.5)Edmonton Elks at Ottawa Redblacks (-3)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Canadian receiver Jalen Philpot tells 3DownNation.com's Justin Dunk the Calgary Stampeders 'wanted to play' the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 112th Grey Cup playoffs.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hamilton Tiger-Cats' all-star receiver Kenny Lawler tells 3DownNation.com's Justin Dunk he has made “peace” with not being in the NFL and rising to star status in the Canadian Football League.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Hodge and JC Abbott discuss the CFL's new media rights deal with TSN and DAZN, post-training camp cuts from around the league, the Ottawa Redblacks naming Jake Maier their starting quarterback, how many fans have cancelled their season tickets due to incoming rule changes, Jaylon Hutchings signing back with the Calgary Stampeders, Jon Gruden raving over the B.C. Lions, Mike O'Shea giving Zach Collaros a vote of confidence, and their predictions for the 2026 season.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Counting the Ottawa Redblacks, Dustin Crum estimated to 3DownNation.com reporter Justin Dunk that five to six Canadian Football League teams inquired about his quarterbacking services during the negotiation window in February.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Canadian Football League commissioner Stewart Johnston explains to 3DownNation.com's Justin Dunk how the new broadcast agreements, which start in 2027, came to fruition and what the deals mean for the future.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

DAZN Canada vice president Deidra Dionne joins 3DownNation.com's Justin Dunk to explain why the Canadian Football League's broadcast rights were valuable to the streaming company.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Rankin isn’t lacking for confidence. Fresh off his first 1,000-yard rushing season, the Edmonton Elks star running back has set an ambitious goal for 2026: become the first player in CFL history to rush and receive for 1,000 yards in the same year.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk, John Hodge, and JC Abbott discuss the latest on a possible new stadium near Halifax, Jacques Tanguay changing his tune on CFL expansion to Quebec City, Taylor Elgersma's performance in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan's backup QB battle, Chad Kelly seeing the field for the first time in 18 months, 3DownNation's latest power rankings, Larry Rountree III running away with a starting job in Hamilton, and Isaiah Wooden Sr. returning to the Tiger-Cats.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Montreal Alouettes’ franchise quarterback Davis Alexander tells 3DownNation.com reporter Justin Dunk he played through a torn ulnar collateral ligament and fractured elbow in his right throwing arm for the final six games during his senior season at Portland State University.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk, John Hodge, and JC Abbott discuss Brayden Schager shining for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in his preseason debut, the Calgary Stampeders lacking quarterback depth behind Vernon Adams Jr., the CFL officially ratifying new rules for 2026, the B.C. Lions renegotiating their lease at BC Place Stadium, the Montreal Alouettes signing Laval passer Arnaud Desjardins, and Casey Sayles calling his release from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats "unprofessional."Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Star Canadian Football League running back Brady Oliveira tells 3DownNation's Justin Dunk he wants to play 10 professional seasons and retire with his hometown team. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk and John Hodge discuss the CFL's highest-paid players list, some intriguing position battles in Winnipeg and Saskatchewan, the league shifting its season to start earlier in 2027, the retirement of Seth Hundeby, the Toronto Argonauts offering $1 hot dogs, and second-overall 2026 CFL Draft pick Niklas Henning signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Zach Collaros enjoyed his first experience as a broadcast analyst for TSN during the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg, he tells 3DownNation.com reporter Justin Dunk.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The CFL Players’ Association benefitted from the league’s desire to expand the Grey Cup playoffs starting in 2027, as the union's first vice president Brett Lauther explains to 3DownNation.com's Justin Dunk.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk, John Hodge, and JC Abbott discuss the Canadian Football League changing its playoff format for 2027, offer their thoughts on all nine CFL draft classes, whether or not Diego Pavia will ever come to the CFL, the Calgary Stampeders new uniforms, the Ottawa Redblacks signing Luiji Vilain, and the retirement of P.J. Walker.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Vernon Adams Jr. has developed a trend and wants to buck it in 2026, he tells 3DownNation.com's Justin Dunk. His last three CFL campaigns, to varying degrees, have started hot, with Adams Jr. being in the Most Outstanding Player conversation until different points in the schedule.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk and JC Abbott share opinions about how the Saskatchewan Roughriders handled Ajou Ajou's release following his suspension, break down Canadian QB Taylor Elgersma signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, analyze whether Chad Kelly's NFL aspirations are legitimate and detail reasons behind the Ottawa Redblacks changing Canadian kickers.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Saskatchewan Roughriders’ running back A.J. Ouellette did not undergo a viral body transformation in the offseason — but he has gained dad strength. Isla Jo was born on Friday, March 6 as Ouellette and his girlfriend, Caitlyn Amaral, welcomed a daughter into the world.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Habakkuk Baldonado has pushed confidence in Global athletes in the Canadian Football League to a new level. The 26-year-old maximized his earning potential for the 2026 CFL season, becoming the highest-paid Global in three-down league history by a considerable margin.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk, John Hodge, and JC Abbott discuss Nathan Rourke trying his hand at flag football ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, the Edmonton Elks possibly becoming profitable in the not-too-distant future, the Calgary Stampeders potentially getting a new stadium, the Elks hiring Rick Campbell, ranking all nine CFL quarterback rooms, and Chris Streveler announcing his retirement from professional football.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From afar during the lead-up to the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg, it did not seem Trevor Harris intended the game to be the last of his 13-year CFL career. However, he recently admitted to 3DownNation reporter Justin Dunk that the thought entered his mind once on Saturday night.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

3DownNation reporter John Hodge speaks one-on-one with Edmonton Elks president and CEO Chris Morris about his first year on the job, the Thompson family's commitment to the club, the strength of its season ticket base, the goal of profitability, and the future of Commonwealth Stadium.#CFL #Canadian #Football #Elks #EdmontonAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trevor Reid tells 3DownNation.com's Justin Dunk what caused him to miss the entire 2025 football season. He explains why he chose to sign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a CFL free agent.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The B.C. Lions’ post about Nathan Rourke leaving the CFL to focus on flag football may have been nothing more than a panic-inducing April Fool’s joke, but his balancing act between the two sports has already begun.Rourke wants to play for Canada at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and explained his path to doing so with 3DownNation.com's Justin Dunk. He also shared his goals for the 2026 CFL season.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk goes one-on-one with Canadian receiver Tyson Philpot to discuss his new contract with the Montreal Alouettes, his background in flag football, and his aspirations to play for Team Canada at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Canadian offensive lineman Giordano Vaccaro sits down with 3DownNation reporter John Hodge to discuss his development at the University of Manitoba, why he transferred to Purdue University for his last college season, and the possibility of being the first-overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft.#CFL #CFLDraft #CFLCombine #Edmonton #RedblacksAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Hodge and J.C. Abbott discuss their takeaways from the 2026 CFL Combine in Edmonton, including the players that rose, the players that fell, the overall strength of each position group, possible future changes to the format of the event, and some fun behind-the-scenes tidbits.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

3DownNation reporter John Hodge goes one-on-one with offensive lineman Darius Bell, who is a projected first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft. The native of Hamilton, Ont. discusses growing up in Steeltown, his collegiate journey through Maine and East Carolina, and his goals for the professional ranks.#CFL #Canadian #FootballAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Michigan State defensive back Devynn Cromwell sits down with 3DownNation’s J.C. Abbott to discuss his status as a top CFL Draft prospect, his recent pro day injury, and his experience transferring from the University of Guelph to two of the biggest programs in the NCAA.#CFL #CFLDraft #Canadian #FootballAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Canadian QB Christian Veilleux opens up about his mixed experience in the NCAA at Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Georgia State, the strength of Ottawa-born players in the 2026 CFL Draft, the value of the transfer portal, and his goal of becoming a professional quarterback.#CFL #CFLDraft #CFLCombine #PennState #Pittsburgh #GeorgiaStateAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

3DownNation reporter JC Abbott speaks one-on-one with 2026 CFL Draft prospect Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald, who was a standout at quarterback with the McGill Redbirds.After impressing under centre, the native of Montreal, Que. is open to changing positions at the professional level.#CFL #CFLDraft #CFLCombine #QuebecAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Defensive back Jonathan Moxey explains why he chose to sign with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in free agency, how he's grown as a player over six CFL seasons, Jordan Younger's "defensive back-friendly" scheme, and dealing with the noise at Princess Auto Stadium.#Bombers #Winnipeg #CFLAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Hodge and JC Abbott preview the 2026 CFL Combine, going position by position to assess the strength of each group and analyze top prospects.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.#CFL #Canadian #Football #CFLDraftAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Greg Bell thought he was going to re-sign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats until the Ottawa Redblacks called. The East Division all-star running back explains how contract extension talks unfolded with Hamilton, why Ottawa’s pitch stood out in free agency, and how he became the highest-paid American running back in the CFL.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Taylor Powell tells 3DownNation.com reporter Justin Dunk he was ready for a fresh start. After three seasons with the Tiger-Cats, the 27-year-old quarterback signed a two-year contract with the Edmonton Elks in CFL free agency. He said the “writing was on the wall” in Hamilton.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In a one-on-one interview with 3DownNation reporter Justin Dunk, Canadian offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey explains why he chose to sign with the Edmonton Elks in CFL free agency.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk, John Hodge, and JC Abbott discuss Cal Wither transferring from Wilfrid Laurier to the University of Maryland, Hodge's upcoming CFL mock draft, the Montreal Alouettes hosting training camp at Laval University in Quebec City, Canadians and former CFL players signing contracts in the NFL, tailgating officially coming to Mosaic Stadium in Regina, and Bralon Addison announcing his retirement from the CFL.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Canadian receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. signs with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after six seasons in the CFL and his first experience in free agency.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In a one-on-one interview with 3DownNation.com reporter Justin Dunk, James Letcher Jr. explains how the Riders changed his mind, including a FaceTime call with head coach Corey Mace, a conversation with special teams coordinator Kent Maugeri, and a personal call from franchise quarterback Trevor Harris.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

CFL receiver Tommy Nield tells 3DownNation reporter John Hodge about why he chose to sign with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in free agency, not getting a competitive offer from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and how it feels to win three Grey Cups by the age of 26.#Canadian #Football #CFL #Bombers #RidersAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk, John Hodge, and JC Abbott discuss Zach Collaros taking a pay cut with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Henry Burris looking for his next coaching opportunity, Tanya Henderson describing her experience coaching in the CFL, former members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders explaining their departures, the details of Nathan Rourke's new contract with the B.C. Lions, and standouts from the CFL's Invitational Combine.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ottawa Redblacks linebacker A.J. Allen joins Justin Dunk to explain why he chose to leave the Saskatchewan Roughriders in free agency.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jake Maier takes us behind his CFL free agent decision to move from Regina and sign in the nation's capital.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

CFL linebacker Darnell Sankey discusses how it felt to be released by the Montreal Alouettes and explains why he chose to sign with the B.C. Lions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

3DownNation reporter John Hodge goes one-on-one with CFL legend Henry Burris, who recently finished a two-year stint on the coaching staff at Florida A&M University.The 50-year-old passer discusses why he got into coaching, his plans for the future, following the CFL from afar, and the league's rule changes.Please subscribe to the 3DownNation Podcast on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

During the holiday season, C.J. Reavis' girlfriend had a dream he'd be playing for a red team, and it turned into real life.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Malik Carney admits to 3DownNation's Justin Dunk it was tough to leave the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2026 CFL free agency and sign with the Edmonton Elks.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tanya Henderson, the first female position coach in CFL history, discusses the end of her time in the league, transitioning into her next chapter, the limitations of the league’s diverse hiring initiatives, and her thoughts on the CFL's handling of the Chad Kelly suspension.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Dunk, John Hodge, and JC Abbott discuss whether or not the Edmonton Elks will make the playoffs after diving into the CFL's free agent pool, Zach Collaros indicating the 2026 season could be his last, Taylor Elgersma heading to the NFL Combine, five CFL veterans announcing their retirement, the Montreal Alouettes axing their cheerleading team, and the B.C. Lions signing a new quarterback.Please enjoy the show and subscribe on your podcast provider.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy