With five games remaining in the 2026 CFL regular season, it’s time to take an early look at the Hamilton Tiger-Cats roster and evaluate every player currently under contract.
We’ll break down each position group, review the 2026 statistics through 13 games, look at each player’s contract situation, and discuss where they could fit heading into the 2027 season.
One important reminder: CFL contracts are generally not guaranteed beyond the season in which the player is signed unless there is a future-year provision, option year, or other contractual protection. Some of the contract information below is based on publicly available information, while other details are estimates or speculation.
Quarterbacks
Bo Levi Mitchell — Signed for 2027
Mitchell’s 2027 status is confirmed. He has been dealing with a broken ankle, although the exact nature of the injury has not been officially confirmed.
Mitchell initially suffered the injury on July 8, 2026. He was later reported to have a six-week recovery timeline, which would put his potential return around October 2.
2026 Statistics:
4 GP, 86/110, 1,107 yards, 78.2% completion, 9 TD, 1 INT, 8 completions of 30+ yards, 3 sacks
Tre Ford — Signed for 2027
Ford has already been signed for the 2027 season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 99/155, 1,293 yards, 63.9% completion, 5 TD, 3 INT, 9 completions of 30+ yards, 17 sacks
Jake Dolegala — Signed for 2027
Dolegala has been used primarily in short-yardage situations and remains under contract for 2027.
2026 Passing Statistics:
13 GP, 17/33, 122 yards, 51.5% completion, 0 TD, 2 INT, 0 completions of 30+ yards, 3 sacks
2026 Rushing Statistics:
42 attempts, 87 yards, 2.1 yards per carry, 7 TD, one 10+ yard rush, one 20+ yard rush, 23-yard long
Quarterback Verdict
With five games remaining, the biggest question is what Hamilton has in Harrison Frost.
If the Ticats aren’t convinced Frost can be the team’s backup quarterback next season, the organization should consider investing in an experienced veteran during free agency.
I believe the Ticats made a mistake by allowing Taylor Powell to leave, as having Powell available while Mitchell was injured could have made a difference for this team.
Dolegala should continue to have a role as the short-yardage quarterback, as he has in previous seasons.
As for Ford, Hamilton doesn’t have to make an immediate decision. Although he is signed for 2027, that doesn’t necessarily mean his roster spot is guaranteed. If management believes there is a better option available in free agency, they could move in another direction.
The key question will be whether the Ticats believe Frost is the answer behind Mitchell.
Running Backs
Larry Rountree III — Signed for 2026
Rountree is a free agent at the end of the current season and has a team option.
2026 Rushing Statistics:
12 GP, 139 attempts, 572 yards, 4.1 yards per carry, 1 TD, 11 rushes of 10+ yards, 1 rush of 20+ yards, 23-yard long
Receiving:
31 receptions on 41 targets, 163 yards, 5.3 yards per reception, 19-yard long, 142 YAC, 4 second-down conversions
Ante Milanovich-Litre — Signed for 2026
Milanovich-Litre is a free agent at the end of the current season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 3 rushing attempts, 4 yards, 1.3 yards per carry, 2 TD, 2-yard long
Johnny Augustine — Signed for 2026
Augustine is also scheduled to become a free agent following the season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 11 attempts, 56 yards, 5.1 yards per carry, 3 rushes of 10+ yards, 13-yard long
Daniel Bell — Signed for 2026
Bell is a free agent at the end of the current season and has primarily contributed on special teams.
2026: Special teams — no rushing statistics.
Nahree Biggins — Signed for 2026
Biggins is a free agent at the end of the current season and has an option for 2027.
2026 Statistics:
1 GP, 7 carries, 36 yards, 5.1 yards per carry, 1 rush of 10+ yards, 10-yard long
Running Back Verdict
This is one of the more difficult position groups to evaluate.
Three of the five running backs have primarily contributed on special teams, limiting their opportunities to produce offensive statistics. Biggins has only appeared in one game, so it’s too early to make a definitive judgment on him.
Rountree III is the biggest question mark. While 572 yards is solid production, his 4.1 yards per carry leaves room for improvement.
I would not be surprised if the Ticats decline his team option and look elsewhere for a starting running back in the offseason.
Wide Receivers
Kiondre Smith — Signed for 2027
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 46 receptions on 73 targets, 713 yards, 3 TD, 4 receptions of 30+ yards, 56-yard long, 15.5 yards per reception, 174 YAC, 18 second-down conversions
Keric Wheatfall — Signed for 2027
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 44 receptions on 67 targets, 709 yards, 1 TD, 7 receptions of 30+ yards, 53-yard long, 16.1 yards per reception, 217 YAC, 11 second-down conversions
Kenny Lawler — Signed for 2028
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 44 receptions on 87 targets, 617 yards, 6 TD, 5 receptions of 30+ yards, 49-yard long, 14.0 yards per reception, 109 YAC, 10 second-down conversions
Kurleigh Gittens Jr. — Signed for 2027
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 44 receptions on 53 targets, 484 yards, 4 TD, 23-yard long, 11.0 yards per reception, 162 YAC, 15 second-down conversions
Myron Mitchell — Signed for 2027
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 25 receptions on 36 targets, 381 yards, 2 TD, 4 receptions of 30+ yards, 56-yard long, 15.2 yards per reception, 87 YAC, 11 second-down conversions
Maximilian Mang — Contract Status Unclear
Mang appears to be signed through 2027, although his exact contract details are unclear.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 12 receptions on 14 targets, 74 yards, 3 TD, 12-yard long, 6.2 yards per reception, 32 YAC
Tyson Middlemost — Signed for 2026
Middlemost is a free agent at the end of the current season.
2026 Statistics:
11 GP, 2 receptions on 2 targets, 32 yards, 25-yard long, 16.0 yards per reception, 2 YAC
Isiah Woodsen Sr. — Signed for 2026
Woodsen is a free agent at the end of the current season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 3 receptions on 5 targets, 31 yards, 10.3 yards per reception, 15-yard long, 12 YAC
Tyler Ternowski — Signed for 2026
Ternowski is a free agent at the end of the current season and has primarily contributed on special teams.
2026: Special teams.
Wide Receiver Verdict
I’ll call this one how I see it: if Bo Levi Mitchell hadn’t been injured, I believe we’d be looking at significantly better numbers from this receiving group.
Lawler likely wouldn’t have had the season he’s currently having, and we could potentially have had two or three receivers pushing toward 800–900 yards.
Unfortunately, that’s not the situation Hamilton has faced.
Woodsen Sr., Ternowski and Middlemost have primarily been used on special teams, which has limited their opportunities in the passing game.
Mang deserves credit for the job he’s done. He was brought in more as a blocking tight-end type of player, and he’s done exactly what the team has asked of him.
Looking ahead to 2027, Hamilton already has Kiondre Smith, Keric Wheatfall, Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Kenny Lawler and Myron Mitchell under contract.
With a healthy Bo Levi Mitchell returning, I believe this receiving group could be significantly better next season.
The first three-and-a-half games showed what this offense could potentially look like with Mitchell at quarterback. With a full offseason together and a healthy Mitchell, I like where this offense could be heading.
Depending on what happens with Ternowski, Woodsen and Middlemost, however, the Ticats should still look to add at least two receivers who can contribute either offensively or on special teams.
Offensive Line
Current Contract Situations
- Nathaniel Dumonlin-Duguay — Signed for 2026, free agent after the season
- Brayden Swartout — Signed for 2026, free agent after the season
- Jonathan Denis — Signed through 2028
- Bandon Ravenberg — Signed for 2026, free agent after the season
- Quinton Barrow — Signed for 2026, free agent after the season
- Trevor Reid — Signed for 2027
- Liam Dobson — Signed for 2026, free agent after the season
- Brayden Szeman — Signed through 2028
Offensive Line Verdict
This is one position where it’s difficult to evaluate players based strictly on statistics because offensive linemen don’t have traditional individual statistics that tell the whole story.
The Ticats need this group to get on the same page.
Hamilton needs to reduce pre-snap and time-count penalties, improve quarterback protection and limit the number of sacks allowed.
The offensive line also needs to do a better job of creating running lanes for the backs.
Defensive Line
Philip Ossai — Signed for 2026
Ossai is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 26 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass knockdown, 1 fumble recovery
Miles Fox — Signed for 2026
Fox is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 14 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 pass knockdowns
Mario Kendricks Jr. — Signed for 2026
Kendricks is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 13 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 pass knockdown
Owen Hubert — Signed for 2026
Hubert is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 1 tackle, 6 special-teams tackles
Isaiah Bagnah — Signed through 2027
Bagnah remains under contract after being drafted in 2025.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 6 tackles, 1 special-teams tackle
Julian Howsare — Signed for 2026
Howsare is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 28 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 4 sacks, 2 pass knockdowns
Charbel Dabire — Signed for 2026
Dabire is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 7 tackles, 1 interception
Mitchell Agude — Signed for 2026
Agude has an option for 2027.
2026 Statistics:
11 GP, 8 tackles, 1 special-teams tackle, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass knockdown
De’Jo Benton — Signed for 2026
Benton has an option year for 2027.
2026 Statistics:
1 GP, 1 tackle
Defensive Line Verdict
If I was told that none of these defensive linemen would return next season, I would be okay with it.
This group has struggled to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the numbers reflect that.
Hamilton needs to find players who can consistently create pressure and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and running backs.
It will be interesting to see who the Ticats target during the offseason.
Linebackers
Loik Gagne — Signed through 2028
Gagne was a 2026 draft choice.
2026 Statistics:
7 GP, 2 tackles
Reggie Stubblefield — Signed for 2027
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 67 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 4 pass knockdowns, 1 INT, 26 interception yards, 1 fumble recovery
Braxton Hill — Signed for 2026
Hill is a free agent at the end of the current season.
2026 Statistics:
48 defensive tackles, 5 special-teams tackles, 53 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 pass knockdown
Wynton McManis — Signed for 2026
McManis is a free agent at the end of the current season.
2026 Statistics:
10 GP, 46 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 pass knockdowns, 1 INT
Ryan Baker — Signed for 2027
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 25 tackles, 5 special-teams tackles, 30 total tackles
Jordan Crook — Signed for 2026
Crook has an option year for 2027.
2026 Statistics:
11 GP, 32 tackles, 11 special-teams tackles, 43 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 pass knockdowns
Linebacker Verdict
Signing Reggie Stubblefield to a three-year deal has worked out well for the Ticats.
His performance at SAM linebacker has been a positive for Hamilton.
Although Stubblefield is third in total tackles, I believe having Wynton McManis on the roster provides significant value because of the leadership he brings to the defense.
Braxton Hill has taken on the weakside linebacker role, and I’d like to see more consistency from him next season.
Overall, the linebacker group needs to become a better tackling unit.
With a fresh start next year, I believe this group can perform better.
Ryan Baker starting at middle linebacker while working within the CFL ratio also gives Hamilton some flexibility. Having Baker under contract for 2027 should help the defensive coordinator put together next year’s linebacker group.
Defensive Backs
Destin Talbert — Signed for 2027
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 42 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 4 pass knockdowns, 1 INT
Quavian White — Signed for 2026
White is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
9 GP, 40 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 5 pass knockdowns
Stavros Katantonis — Signed through 2028
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 32 tackles, 2 special-teams tackles, 34 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 4 pass knockdowns, 5 INT
Zamari Walton — Signed for 2026
Walton is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
11 GP, 29 tackles, 3 pass knockdowns
Jamal Peters — Signed for 2027
2026 Statistics:
12 GP, 27 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 5 pass knockdowns, 3 INT
Devodric Bynum — Signed for 2026
Bynum is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
6 GP, 17 tackles, 1 pass knockdown, 1 INT
Ronan Horrall — Signed through 2027
Horrall was a 2025 draft pick.
2026 Statistics:
7 GP, 9 special-teams tackles, 9 total tackles
Robert Panabaker — Signed for 2026
Panabaker is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
10 GP, 4 tackles, 4 special-teams tackles, 8 total tackles
Jake Nitychoruk — Signed through 2027
Nitychoruk was a 2025 draft pick.
2026 Statistics:
8 GP, 3 special-teams tackles, 3 total tackles
Devynn Cromwell — Signed through 2028
Cromwell was a 2026 draft pick.
2026 Statistics:
No statistics
Defensive Back Verdict
The secondary has some strong pieces when you look at Jamal Peters, Destin Talbert and Stavros Katantonis.
However, there have also been issues.
Walton and White have been beaten by opposing offenses too often, and Hamilton should look at upgrading those positions during the offseason.
I would also like to see the Ticats bring in at least two veteran defensive backs to provide additional experience in the secondary.
Hamilton could also look to add another defensive back through the draft next spring.
Special Teams
Gordon Whyte — Long Snapper
Whyte is signed for 2026 and is a free agent at the end of the season.
Marc Liegghio — Kicker
Liegghio is signed for 2026 and is a free agent at the end of the season.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 25/28 field goals, 89.3% FG, 30/31 extra points, 96.8% XP
Kickoffs:
46 kickoffs, 3,024 yards, 65.7-yard average, 81-yard long
Mitch McCarthy — Punter
McCarthy is signed through 2027.
2026 Statistics:
13 GP, 75 punts, 3,732 yards, 49.8-yard average, 81-yard long, 37.2-yard net average, 6 punts inside the 10
Special Teams Verdict
Marc Liegghio has been earning his money during his time in Hamilton.
In his first season with the Ticats in 2023, he converted 87.2% of his field-goal attempts. In 2024, he improved to 89.6%, followed by 92.9% in 2025.
So far in 2026, he is at 89.3% with five games remaining.
Gordon Whyte has been Hamilton’s long snapper since being drafted in the eighth round, 67th overall, in the 2019 CFL Draft.
I believe all three members of the special-teams unit will be back next season.
Practice Squad
The following players are currently on the practice squad and will become free agents after the season unless they are re-signed during the offseason:
- WR — Jaelen Gill
- LB — Jayden Griffiths
- WR — Hakeem Harris
- DB — Kaleb Hayes
- LB — Vi Jones
- DL — Aamarii Notice
- QB — Cameron Peters
- OL — Jakub Szott
- WR — Blaine Taylor
- DL — Brian Ugwu
- OL — Rueben Unije
Coaching Staff
Note: The following contract information is speculation unless otherwise noted, as coaching contracts are not always publicly disclosed.
Head Coach — Scott Milanovich
Milanovich was hired in 2024 and may have received a three-year contract, which would potentially make him a free agent at the end of the season. His exact contract status has not been publicly confirmed.
Offensive Coordinator — Jarryd Baines
Baines is currently the offensive coordinator after being promoted from quarterbacks coach. It is unclear whether his promotion came with a contract extension.
Defensive Coordinator — Brent Monson
Monson joined Hamilton on December 16, 2024. It is possible that he received a three-year agreement, which could keep him with the Ticats through 2027. His exact contract status is not publicly known.
Special Teams Coordinator — Bob Dyce
Dyce joined Hamilton this offseason after previously serving as the head coach of the Ottawa Redblacks. The length of his contract is not publicly known.
Position Coaches
Position coaches are generally on one-year arrangements unless the team announces a new coaching staff and subsequently brings them back on new contracts.
- Quarterbacks Coach: Jarryd Baines — see Offensive Coordinator
- Running Backs Coach / Offensive Quality Control: Myer Spitulnik
- Receivers Coach: Naaman Roosevelt
- Offensive Line Coach: Brendan Walsh
- Defensive Line Coach: Casey Creehan
- Defensive Backs Coach: Brandon Isaac
Final Thoughts
With five games remaining in the 2026 season, there are already plenty of questions facing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats heading into the offseason.
The quarterback position will be heavily influenced by Bo Levi Mitchell’s recovery and what the organization ultimately decides to do with its backup situation.
The receiving corps looks to be one of the team’s strongest areas heading into 2027, with several key players already under contract.
Defensively, however, Hamilton has some work to do.
The defensive line needs more consistent pressure, while the secondary could benefit from additional veteran help. The linebacker group has some promising pieces but needs greater consistency.
Special teams appear to be one of the more stable areas of the roster.
Ultimately, the next five games will give Hamilton’s management and coaching staff another opportunity to evaluate this group before making what could be some significant decisions in the offseason.
The 2027 Ticats are already beginning to take shape — but there is still plenty of work to be done.
