2025 @CFL hot stove league

The guys at 3DownNation had fun over the weekend ranking the 70 various CFL logos. They rank pretty low some of my favorites, but I agree that the Jake Gaudaur-era league logo is a classic.

https://3downnation.com/2024/12/26/ranking-every-primary-cfl-logo-ever-70-51/
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/27/ranking-every-primary-cfl-logo-ever-50-31/
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/28/ranking-every-primary-cfl-logo-ever-30-16/
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/29/ranking-every-primary-cfl-logo-ever-15-1/

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Ottawa will add an upper deck to the North Side.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/29/ottawa-redblacks-facing-two-years-of-reduced-capacity-to-accomodate-proposed-north-stand-reconstruction/

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Free Agent analysis
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/30/one-veteran-pending-free-agent-every-cfl-team-should-kick-to-the-curb-in-2025/

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Sask analyses

https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-december-29/
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/changing-my-tune-on-riders-trade-for-qb-jake-maier-kind-of/

GA Russell · December 31, 2024

Justin Hardy 2024 highlight reel
https://www.cfl.ca/2024/12/31/justin-hardy-2024-cfl-highlights/

GA Russell · January 3

The Lions have announced their coaching staff. Buck Pierce will also be the OC.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/02/lions-announced-eight-additions-to-coaching-staff-pierce-to-hold-oc-title/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/benevides-named-defensive-co-ordinator-on-new-head-coach-buck-pierce-s-staff-1.2228594
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/02/b-c-lions-confirm-mike-benevides-as-dc-demote-ryan-phillips-on-finalized-coaching-staff/

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Tyrice Beverette 2024 highlight reel
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/02/tyrice-beverette-2024-cfl-highlights/

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3DownNation's Top 10 Most-Clicked-On Stories of 2024
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/31/3downnations-top-10-stories-of-2024/

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Former All-American DB Tiawan Mullen has signed with the Alouettes.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/01/montreal-alouettes-sign-former-first-team-all-american-db-tiawan-mullen/

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The Ticats have paid Bo Levi Mitchell his off-season roster bonus, which suggests that they intend to bring him back.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/01/happy-new-year-bo-levi-mitchell-collects-offseason-roster-bonus-from-hamilton-tiger-cats/

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Wally Dempsey has died at 80. RIP.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/02/riders-plaza-of-honour-honouree-wally-dempsey-dead-at-80/

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Chris Getzlaff will become an assistant coach for his juniors team, the Regina Thunder.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/03/cjfls-regina-thunder-add-former-cfl-receiver-chris-getzlaf-to-coaching-staff/

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Top 10 Biggest Surprises of 2024
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/02/ferguson-top-10-biggest-surprises-of-2024/

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GA Russell · January 6

Here is a list of the CFL players who have tried out for NFL teams this off-season.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/05/every-cfl-player-to-work-out-with-an-nfl-team-this-offseason/

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Tevaun Smith has retired.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/05/former-cfl-receiver-tevaun-smith-officially-retires-from-pro-football/

GA Russell · January 6

The Argos have traded Dejon Allen to the Lions for Ryder Varga and a 2026 draft pick.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/06/lions-acquire-ol-dejon-allen-in-trade-with-argonauts/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-send-ol-dejon-allen-to-bc-lions-in-exchange-for-lb-ryder-varga-draft-pick-1.2231038
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/06/b-c-lions-acquire-award-winning-ol-dejon-allen-from-toronto-argonauts-for-player-pick/

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Free Agent analysis
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/06/mmqb-one-question-for-each-east-division-team/

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Sask 2024 summary and analysis

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/06/10-takeaways-from-the-riders-2024-season/
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-january-5/

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GA Russell · January 8

Rolan Milligan, Jr., 2024 highlight reel
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/rolan-milligan-jr-2024-cfl-highlights/

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A summary of post-Grey Cup news.
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/back-in-the-loop-what-youve-missed-in-the-cfl-since-the-grey-cup/

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Free Agent analyses

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/11/29/cfl-cas-top-30-pending-free-agents-10/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/free-agency-most-wanted-a-canadian-big-play-receiver/

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Brandon Kemp has signed with the Riders.

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-ol-brandon-kemp/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/riders-sign-american-ol-brandon-kemp/

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Tre Odoms-Dukes has signed with the Elks.

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/edmonton-elks-sign-former-calgary-receiver-tre-odoms-dukes/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/07/elks-sign-receiver-tre-odoms-dukes-to-one-year-deal/

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The Elks have announced a new logo.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/06/edmonton-unveils-new-wordmark-keeps-elks-logo-as-secondary-emblem/

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Jean Delance has signed with the Argos.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/toronto-argonauts-sign-ol-jean-delance-following-stints-with-lions-riders/

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Sask analysis
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-release-nfl-bound-left-tackle-trevor-reid-back-to-square-one/

GA Russell · January 9

Chris Jones has agreed to join Bill Belichick's new staff at Carolina.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/chris-jones-hired-as-defensive-assistant-by-bill-belichick-with-north-carolina-tar-heels/

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Winston October has agreed to become the new OC at William &Mary.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/former-cfl-player-coach-winston-october-hired-as-offensive-coordinator-at-william-mary/

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Free agent analysis
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/08/free-agency-most-wanted-a-game-changing-defender/

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Pamela Anderson was on The Tonight Show, and told the story about how she was discovered at a BC Lions game.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/pamela-anderson-tells-jimmy-fallon-about-being-discovered-at-b-c-lions-game/

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This year's Grey Cup Final will be Nov. 16 in Winnipeg.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/cfl-actively-working-on-2025-schedule-will-be-announced-to-fans-in-coming-weeks/

GA Russell · January 9

Here's a surprise. Rick Campbell has agreed to re-join the Redblacks' staff, as the STC.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/report-rick-campbell-to-return-to-ottawa-as-special-teams-coordinator/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/former-bc-lions-head-coach-rick-campbell-joins-ottawa-redblacks-as-special-teams-coordinator-1.2232654
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/ottawa-redblacks-to-hire-rick-campbell-as-special-teams-coordinator-report/

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The Ticats let go James Butler. He promptly signed with the Lions.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/ticats-release-running-back-james-butler/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/hamilton-tiger-cats-release-veteran-running-back-james-butler-ahead-of-cfl-free-agency-1.2232761
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/back-to-the-den-lions-sign-running-back-james-butler/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/b-c-lions-bring-back-rb-james-butler-following-release-from-ticats/

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Reggie Begelton 2024 highlights reel.
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/reggie-begelton-2024-cfl-highlights/

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Review of last year's free agent signings.
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/3-under-the-radar-fa-signings-from-2024/

GA Russell · January 11

Here is the league's Transactions Page.
https://www.cfl.ca/transactions

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The Argos have traded Folarin Orimolade to the Stampeders for Cameron Judge.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/stamps-acquire-orimolade-from-argos-in-exchange-for-judge/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-acquire-canadian-cam-judge-send-folarin-orimolade-to-calgary-stampeders-in-trade-1.2233902
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/toronto-argonauts-trade-dl-folarin-orimolade-to-calgary-stampeders-for-canadian-lb-cameron-judge/

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Because the Lions signed James Butler, they immediately let go William Stanback. Stanback promptly signed with the Redblacks.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/09/lions-release-veteran-running-back-william-stanback/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/bc-lions-release-veteran-rb-william-stanback-after-adding-james-butler-1.2233239
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/b-c-lions-grant-veteran-rb-william-stanback-early-release/

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/quick-landing-redblacks-sign-rb-william-stanback/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/ottawa-redblacks-sign-newly-released-veteran-rb-william-stanback-1.2233306
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/ottawa-redblacks-sign-veteran-cfl-rb-william-stanback-sources/

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The Elks have let go Dillon Mitchell.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/elks-release-receiver-dillon-mitchell/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/edmonton-elks-release-american-receiver-dillon-mitchell/

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Free Agent analyses

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/ferguson-5-potential-landing-spots-for-eugene-lewis/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/free-agency-most-wanted-a-coverage-master/

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This is a surprise to me. The Als signed David Cote. I like him, but when he was hurt last year, he was replaced by Jose Moltas, who was terrific. Will we see a training camp battle?

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/alouettes-sign-national-kicker-david-cote-to-one-year-extension/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/montreal-alouettes-sign-k-david-cote-to-a-one-year-contract-extension/

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Brock Sunderland has joined the Bombers' scouting staff.

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/former-edmonton-elks-general-manager-brock-sunderland-among-trio-added-to-blue-bombers-staff/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/bombers-add-to-scouting-staff-including-brock-sunderland/

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The Ticats have bulked up their scouting staff.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/ticats-add-three-to-front-office-staff-including-alex-russell-as-director-of-scouting/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/hamilton-tiger-cats-add-three-to-front-office-staff/

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The Elks have announced their coaching staff.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/10/elks-announce-2025-coaching-staff-jordan-maksymic-as-oc-assistant-hc/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/edmonton-elks-confirm-coaching-staff-for-2025-season-announce-return-of-former-receiver-jason-tucker/

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Drew Allemang has agreed to join the Redblacks' front office.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/drew-allemang-to-join-ottawa-redblacks-sources/

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Sask analysis
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-positional-breakdown-linebackers-2/

GA Russell · January 12

The league will not have a Touchdown Atlantic/Pacific game this year.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/11/cfl-wont-hold-neutral-site-touchdown-series-game-in-2025-report/

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AJ Ouellette says that his diet this off-season will be 90% animal products.

Free Agent analysis
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/11/5-pending-free-agents-that-could-breakout-in-2025/

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Here is a list of the Canadian and former CFL players who are now with the NFL playoff teams.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/11/every-canadian-and-former-cfl-player-in-the-2025-nfl-playoffs/

GA Russell · January 13

After taking a year's sabbatical (despite receiving offers), Jonathan Kongbo has signed with the Elks.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/12/edmonton-elks-sign-refocused-canadian-dl-jonathan-kongbo/

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Free Agent analysis
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/12/free-agency-most-wanted-an-explosive-pass-catcher/

GA Russell · January 14

Dillon Mitchell has signed with the Bombers.

https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/winnipeg-blue-bombers-agree-to-one-year-deal-with-wide-receiver-dillon-mitchell-1.2235218
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/13/bombers-mitchell-agree-to-one-year-contract/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-former-edmonton-elks-receiver-dillon-mitchell/

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Free Agent analyses

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/13/mmqb-one-question-for-each-west-team-ahead-of-free-agency/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/13/free-agency-most-wanted-an-ace-special-teamer/

GA Russell · January 15

The Argos have traded Daniel Adeboboye to the Redblacks for a 2026 draft pick and a neg list player.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/14/redblacks-acquire-rb-daniel-adeboboye-in-trade-with-argos/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/redblacks-acquire-canadian-rb-daniel-adeboboye-in-trade-with-argos/

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Bo Levi Mitchell 2024 highlights reel
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/14/bo-levi-mitchell-2024-cfl-highlights/

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Free Agent analyses

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/14/one-pending-free-agent-every-team-should-pursue/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/14/free-agency-most-wanted-a-do-it-all-defender/

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Tom Clements has retired. He was Green Bay's QB coach this year.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/cfl-legend-tom-clements-retires-from-nfl-coaching-ranks-again/

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Contrary to the report I posted Dec. 31 above, Geroy Simon has decided to become an exec with the University of Maryland's football program.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/official-geroy-simon-hired-as-general-manager-at-university-of-maryland/

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Khari Jones will be UBC's QB coach this year.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/longtime-cfl-player-coach-khari-jones-joins-ubc-thunderbirds-as-qb-coach/

GA Russell · Thursday at 05:09 AM

Free Agent analyses

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/15/star-pending-free-agent-lb-wynton-mcmanis-omni-important-for-toronto-argonauts/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/15/free-agency-most-wanted-a-dominant-pass-rusher/

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Ed Hervey says that he will not begin contract negotiations with Geno Lewis until after Lewis becomes a free agent, so that everyone can see about what he is worth.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/i-will-not-pay-him-300000-eugene-lewis-questions-leads-to-ed-hervey-rant/

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SFU has officially decided to end its football program.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/15/simon-fraser-university-finalizes-decision-to-axe-football-program/

GA Russell · Thursday at 11:55 PM

The league released the 2025 schedule today.

The first exhibition game is Monday May 19, and Opening Night is Thursday June 5.

https://www.cfl.ca/schedule/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/16/cfl-redtag-ca-announce-2025-schedule/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/16/cfl-unveils-2025-schedule-highlighted-by-fewer-short-weeks-earlier-start-times/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/16/ranking-every-cfl-teams-2025-schedule-reveal/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/16/ranking-every-cfl-teams-2025-schedule-reveal/

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/16/cant-miss-this-6-must-see-games-on-the-2025-schedule/
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/16/3-under-the-radar-games-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-2025/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/16/saskatchewan-roughriders-bookend-2025-cfl-schedule-with-season-opener-finale/
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/a-deep-dive-into-the-riders-2025-schedule/

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Ottawa analysis
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/16/5-reasons-bob-dyce-redblacks-are-excited-for-the-2025-season/

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Winnipeg analysis
https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/bombers-same-faces-different-outcome/

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Sask analysis
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riderville-roundup-january-12/

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Brady Oliveira 2024 highlights reel
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/16/brady-oliveira-2024-cfl-highlights/

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The Argos have let go Jonathan Jones.
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/16/argos-release-lb-jonathan-jones-extend-ol-john-bosse/

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The Bombers paid Zach Collaros his $100,000. off-season bonus, so that means he will be back next year.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/16/bombers-qb-zach-collaros-collects-100000-offseason-roster-bonus/

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This thread's view count today is 437,300; an increase of 19,800 over the past 55 days (360 per day). That seems high to me. I have noticed about 300 every two days.

Edited Friday at 12:03 AM by GA Russell