Edmonton Elks' running back Justin Rankin (5) evades a tackle by Ottawa Redblacks' defensive back CJ Reavis (8) during second half regular season CFL action in Ottawa, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
June 09, 2026 - 10:47 AM
TORONTO — Edmonton running back Justin Rankin, Montreal defensive back Robert Kennedy III and Winnipeg defensive lineman Jake Ceresna have been named the CFL's top players of Week 1 of the 2026 season.
Rankin had 102 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in Edmonton's 29-21 win at Ottawa on Saturday.
He added five receptions for 94 yards, including a 63-yard catch in the third quarter.
Kennedy scored his first career touchdown with a 54-yard interception in the Alouettes' 30-27 win at Hamilton on Thursday.
He added a defensive tackle and a forced fumble.
Ceresna recorded three sacks — a single-game career high — and added five defensive tackles in the Blue Bombers' 30-28 win in Calgary on Friday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2026.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2026