The Toronto Argonauts embark on the 2025 Canadian Football League (CFL) season as the reigning Grey Cup champions. This is a testament to their resilience and talent. They displayed these qualities throughout a challenging 2024 campaign. However, the quest for a record-extending 20th Grey Cup will face significant roster turnover. This is particularly true on the defensive side of the ball. Moreover, there are lingering questions at key positions. This preview explores the Argonauts’ 2024 achievements and offseason transformations. It provides a detailed positional analysis. The analysis culminates in an outlook for the season ahead.  

I. Echoes of Victory: A Look Back at the 2024 Championship Season

The 2024 season saw the Toronto Argonauts finish with a 10-8 record, securing second place in the East Division. Their journey through the playoffs showcased offensive firepower. They had a record-tying 58-38 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks in the East Semi-Final. This game saw a combined 96 points. It tied the CFL record for the highest-scoring playoff game. Before an injury, Chad Kelly was instrumental as quarterback. He threw for 358 yards and four touchdowns in that semi-final. Makai Polk and DaVaris Daniels made significant receiving contributions. The defense also played a crucial role. Wynton McManis led in tackles and Benjie Franklin contributed significantly. He made two late-game pick-sixes in the semi-final.  

The Argonauts ultimately triumphed in the 111th Grey Cup, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 41-24, securing their 19th championship. Running back Ka’Deem Carey was named the team’s Most Outstanding Player for the season. DaShaun Amos was recognized as the Most Outstanding Defensive Player.  

Key 2024 Regular Season Team Stats:

• Record: 10-8  
• Division Place: 2nd, East  
• Playoffs: Won Grey Cup  
• Points For (PF): 513  
• Points Against (PA): 479  
• Rushing First Downs: 159 (Led CFL)  

2024 Team Award Winners:

• Most Outstanding Player: Ka’Deem Carey  
• Most Outstanding Defensive Player: DaShaun Amos  
• Most Outstanding Canadian: Lirim Hajrullahu (The real team MOP as my brother likes to joke)
• Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Ryan Hunter  
• Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Janarion Grant  
• Most Outstanding Rookie: Makai Polk  

The 2024 season underscored the Argonauts’ ability to perform under pressure, with different players stepping up throughout their championship run. The offensive prowess, particularly the potent ground game led by Carey, was a defining characteristic.  

II. Offseason Metamorphosis: Personnel and Coaching Shifts

The 2025 offseason has brought significant change for the Argonauts. Numerous departures and arrivals have reshaped the team’s complexion, especially on defense.  

A. Coaching Staff Adjustments: New Voices on Defence

Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie, also serving as the Offensive Coordinator, enters his fifth season at the helm. While much of the offensive staff remains intact, the defensive coaching ranks see notable changes. Jason Shivers returns to Toronto as Co-Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Backs Coach, and Pro Player Personnel Assistant. Shivers, who previously coached with the Argos in 2013, brings experience from Edmonton and Saskatchewan. He celebrated a Grey Cup win with Edmonton in 2015. He will share defensive coordinator duties with Kevin Eiben, who also coaches the linebackers. Greg Marshall, a veteran CFL coach with 20 years of experience, joins as the new Defensive Line Coach. These appointments follow the departure of former defensive coordinator William Fields, who went to Ottawa. Defensive line coach Demetrious Maxie left for Edmonton.  

The new defensive leadership under Shivers and Eiben has been tasked with instilling an aggressive defensive philosophy. This philosophy aims at confusing offenses and creating turnovers. It is a hallmark of the 2024 championship defense.  

Toronto Argonauts 2025 Coaching Staff:

Position	Coach
Head Coach & Offensive Coordinator	Ryan Dinwiddie
Offensive Line	Kris Sweet
Quarterbacks	Mike Miller
Receivers & Pass Game Coordinator	Peter Costanza
Running Backs	Dominic Picard
Offensive Assistant	Drew Tate
Co-Defensive Coordinator & Linebackers	Kevin Eiben
Co-Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Backs & Pro Player Personnel Assistant	Jason Shivers
Defensive Line	Greg Marshall
Special Teams Coordinator	Mickey Donovan

B. Front Office Stability and Changes

Michael “Pinball” Clemons continues as General Manager. He is entering his sixth season in the role. He works alongside Assistant General Manager John Murphy. The President position remains vacant following Bill Manning’s departure in July 2024. Jason Shivers also takes on a role as Pro Player Personnel Assistant, adding to the front office’s scouting capabilities. This continuity in key football operations leadership, particularly with Dinwiddie and Clemons, provides a stable foundation amidst significant player turnover.  

C. Player Roster Overhaul: Departures and Arrivals

The Argonauts experienced a substantial roster churn during the offseason.

1. Key Departures: The defense, in particular, saw a mass exodus of talent. All four starting defensive linemen from the Grey Cup victory are gone. Folarin Orimolade was traded to Calgary. Jake Ceresna and Robbie Smith signed with Edmonton. Ralph Holley went to the NFL. Defensive tackle Jared Brinkman also joined Edmonton. The team lost other significant defensive players. Fraser Sopik, a linebacker, signed with Calgary and then retired. Defensive back DaShaun Amos signed with Hamilton. Safety Royce Metchie signed with Edmonton. On offense, award-winning offensive tackle Dejon Allen was traded to BC. 2024 Most Outstanding Rookie receiver Makai Polk departed for the NFL. Linebacker Jonathan Jones also departed.  

2. Key Retentions and Extensions: Despite the departures, the Argonauts successfully retained several core players. Grey Cup MVP quarterback Nick Arbuckle signed an extension. Star receiver Damonte Coxie, elite linebacker Wynton McManis, and award-winning returner Janarion Grant also inked new deals. All-East Division running back Ka’Deem Carey was re-signed in the offseason. He was released just before Week 1 of the 2025 season. Canadian linebacker Cameron Judge, acquired in the Folarin Orimolade trade, signed an extension through 2026. Defensive back Tarvarus McFadden also extended his contract.  

3. New Free Agent Signings and Trades: To fill the voids, the Argonauts were active in free agency and trades:

• DL Bryan Cox Jr.: Signed from Saskatchewan, expected to contribute at defensive end. He collected a $20,000 signing bonus as part of a deal worth $120,000 in hard money.  
• DL Anthony Lanier II: Acquired after being a healthy scratch in Saskatchewan, will earn $110,000 in hard money.  
• DB Darrius Bratton: Signed from Edmonton, likely to replace DaShaun Amos at field-side halfback. He received a $15,000 signing bonus with his $105,000 hard money deal.  
• DL Celestin Haba: Joined from Winnipeg, will earn $100,000 in hard money plus incentives.  
• WR Hergy Mayala: A Canadian receiver adding depth to the pass-catching corps.  
• DL Demarcus Christmas: An American defensive lineman providing interior presence.  
• DB Ciante Evans & DB Will Sunderland: Veteran American defensive backs adding experience to the secondary. Evans was later released during final cuts.  
• LB Cameron Judge: Acquired via trade from Calgary for Folarin Orimolade and subsequently extended. His deal for 2025 is worth $197,000 in hard money with a potential maximum of $202,000.  
• LB Ryder Varga: Acquired in the Dejon Allen trade.  

4. 2025 CFL Draft Class: The Argonauts added eight Canadians through the 2025 CFL Draft.  

• DL Jeremiah Ojo (1st Round, 7th overall): An All-Canadian from Montreal who led USPORTS in sacks in 2024. Invited to New York Giants mini-camp.  
• DL Paris Shand (2nd Round, 19th overall): Paris Shand is a Toronto native from LSU. He signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.  
• OL Gavin Coakes (4th Round, 29th overall): From UBC.  
• DB Istvan Assibo-Dadzie (4th Round, 30th overall): From Windsor, later signed and then placed on the retired list.  
• LB Jaylen Rayam (5th Round, 46th overall): From UTEP.  
• RB Joey Zorn (6th Round, 55th overall): From Windsor, later signed and then released.  
• OL Ethan Pyle (7th Round, 64th overall): From Guelph, signed by the team.  
• DB DeEmetrius Masuka (8th Round, 72nd overall): From McMaster. The team also signed Canadian OL Jas Khaira (later released) and American OL Hampton Ergle.  

The sheer volume of player movement presents a significant challenge for the coaching staff. They face particular difficulty due to the loss of nearly an entire starting defensive line. They also lost key pieces in the secondary and on the offensive line. This affects building cohesion and maintaining the championship standard set in 2024.

III. Positional Breakdown: Charting the 2025 Argonauts

A. Offence: mencari keseimbangan di tengah perubahan (Finding Balance Amidst Change)

1. Quarterbacks: The quarterback situation enters 2025 with a degree of uncertainty. Star QB Chad Kelly is recovering from a fractured tibia and fibula. He suffered these injuries in last year’s East Final. There is no definitive timeline for his return. In his stead, Grey Cup MVP Nick Arbuckle is expected to lead the offence. Arbuckle, who signed an extension in the offseason, has shown flashes of brilliance. However, he has also battled inconsistency throughout his career. TSN reported a “99% chance Arbuckle starts Week 1”. The Argonauts will be hoping for Kelly’s swift recovery, but Arbuckle’s performance will be critical in the interim. The team also has Jarret Doege and Tucker Horn on the roster. Veteran Cameron Dukes, who made nine starts in 2024, was released during training camp cuts (THANKFULLY!).  

2. Running Backs: This position saw a surprising late development. Ka’Deem Carey was the 2024 Team MOP. He rushed for 1,060 yards and 7 touchdowns. Carey was re-signed in February. However, he was released just prior to Week 1. Fellow running back Kevin Brown was also released. This signals a youth movement, with Deonta McMahon and Miyan Williams (from Ohio State) expected to carry the load. McMahon is described as elusive, while Williams displayed explosive speed in the preseason. Jyran Mitchell is on the practice roster. The Argonauts led the CFL in rushing first downs in 2024 (159), with Carey accounting for 67 of those. Replicating that ground dominance with new ball carriers will be a key offensive storyline.  

3. Receivers: The receiving corps is a position of relative stability and strength. This is despite the departure of Makai Polk to the NFL. The team re-signed star Damonte Coxie. Veterans DaVaris Daniels and return specialist Janarion Grant provide reliable targets and big-play ability. Canadian Hergy Mayala was added in free agency. Dejon Brissett, the 2024 Grey Cup’s Most Outstanding Canadian, is expected to have a larger role. Kevin Mital, the 2024 first-round pick, scored in the Grey Cup. He also impressed in training camp. He is expected to have a larger role. The team can opt to start an extra Canadian receiver or an American like Jake Herslow to fill Polk’s void. The depth here, with experienced players like Daniels and Coxie, will be vital, especially with a potentially evolving quarterback situation.  

4. Offensive Line: The offensive line faces the task of replacing stalwart right tackle Dejon Allen, who was traded. Jean Delance has CFL and UFL experience. He is slated to take over that spot. However, he is considered unproven in the role. A significant boost comes from the return of Darius Ciraco, who missed all of 2024 due to injury. Ciraco is projected to start at centre, allowing Peter Nicastro (CFL’s fourth-best centre in 2024 by PFF grade – 69.3) to move to guard. Ryan Hunter, the CFL’s 2024 Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman (71.3 PFF overall grade), returns and provides elite play and versatility, potentially playing guard or tackle. PFF projects George Moore at left tackle and Anthony Vandal at left guard. Moore (46.0 PFF grade in limited action) and Vandal (61.8 PFF grade, ranked 36th) represent areas of uncertainty on the left side. The Argos have considerable depth. They boast Canadian talent with players like Dylan Giffen and Sage Doxtater. They also have draft picks Gavin Coakes and Ethan Pyle. The ability of the new-look tackle positions to solidify will be crucial for offensive success.  

B. Defence: A New Identity Forged in Change

The Argonauts’ defence, a cornerstone of their 2024 championship, is “virtually unrecognizable” heading into 2025. Seven starters from the Grey Cup-winning unit are gone, including the entire defensive line.  

1. Defensive Line: This unit underwent a complete overhaul. The Argos lost a significant portion of their league-high 48 sacks from 2024. This was due to the departures of Folarin Orimolade, Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith, Ralph Holley, and Jared Brinkman. Ceresna and Holley had 8 sacks each. Orimolade and Smith had 6 sacks each. PFF projects the starting lineup as Derek Parish, Demarcus Christmas, Jordan Williams, and Andrew Chatfield. Parish (72.2 PFF overall grade in 2024) and Williams (72.0 PFF grade) are expected to step into larger roles after serving as depth players. Christmas provides a steady run-defending presence. Newcomers Bryan Cox Jr. (24 tackles, 6 sacks with Saskatchewan in 2024) and Anthony Lanier II (led CFL with 17.7% pass-rush win rate in 2023) are key additions. However, Cox Jr. is expected to miss the season due to injury, which is a significant blow. Chatfield is yet to play a CFL regular-season game. Celestin Haba is a rotational player from Winnipeg. They are contending for a starting end spot. First-round pick Jeremiah Ojo is a promising talent who could earn playing time. While lacking a standout star, the D-line aims to make up for it with depth. John Hodge of 3DownNation identifies Derek Parish as a breakout candidate with “double-digit sack potential”.  

2. Linebackers: Wynton McManis is a two-time CFL All-Star and three-time Grey Cup champion. He remains the anchor of this unit at middle linebacker. He is a critical veteran presence on a largely revamped defence. Cameron Judge, acquired via trade and extended, will take over as the Canadian starter at weak-side linebacker, replacing Fraser Sopik. Ryder Varga, Jack Cassar, Isaac Darkangelo, and Daniel Kwamou provide depth. McManis is considered a candidate for Most Outstanding Defensive Player, especially with potentially increased responsibility this season.  

3. Defensive Backs: The secondary also saw key departures in DaShaun Amos and Royce Metchie. Grey Cup hero Benjie Franklin returns at boundary cornerback. He had 13 knockdowns and tied for the league lead with 3 fumble recoveries in 2024. Mark Milton is at boundary halfback. Tarvarus McFadden also returns. Newcomer Darrius Bratton is expected to fill the field-side halfback role. Tyshon Blackburn is penciled in as the starter at safety. Veterans Will Sunderland and Kenneth George Jr. provide depth, and the team could opt for an all-American defensive backfield given the current Canadian depth. Ciante Evans was signed but released during final cuts. The ability of this new-look secondary to gel quickly under new co-coordinator Jason Shivers will be vital.  

C. Special Teams: A Pillar of Strength

The Argonauts boast arguably the CFL’s best special teams units. Award-winning returner Janarion Grant (4 total return touchdowns in 2024) is a game-changer, and Canadian kicker Lirim Hajrullahu provides reliability. John Haggerty is now listed as the primary punter. He handles punting duties. He was described as unproven after spending 2024 on the practice roster. Adam Guillemette is the long snapper. Grant is again a strong candidate for Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.  

IV. Season Outlook and Prediction

A. Strengths

• Championship Pedigree and Coaching: The Argos are defending champions. They have a stable head coach in Ryan Dinwiddie. The GM is Michael Clemons.  
• Veteran Offensive Core: Players like Nick Arbuckle, Damonte Coxie, DaVaris Daniels, and Ryan Hunter provide experience and proven production.  
• Special Teams Excellence: Janarion Grant and Lirim Hajrullahu give the Argos a distinct advantage in the kicking and return games.  
• Linebacking Leadership: Wynton McManis is an elite force in the middle of the defense.  
• Offensive Line Depth (Interior): With Ciraco’s return and Hunter’s versatility, the interior O-line should be solid.  

B. Weaknesses and Concerns

• Quarterback Uncertainty: Chad Kelly’s injury recovery timeline is unknown, placing pressure on Nick Arbuckle to perform consistently.  Chad was practicing in full pads this week with the second team offence.
• Massive Defensive Turnover: The departure of seven starters poses a monumental challenge. This turnover includes the entire defensive line from the Grey Cup game. Building chemistry and replacing that level of production will take time. The expected loss of Bryan Cox Jr. for the season further impacts the D-line.  
• Offensive Line Tackles: The new right tackle (Jean Delance) is unproven in a starting role. The projected left tackle (George Moore) struggled in limited action in 2024.  
• New Running Back Tandem: The late release of Ka’Deem Carey has led to a new strategy. The Argos will rely on the relatively inexperienced duo of Deonta McMahon and Miyan Williams. They will be responsible for carrying the ground game.  
• Unproven Punter: While John Haggerty is now the listed punter, he was previously noted as unproven.  

C. Key Matchups and Schedule Notes

The Argonauts’ 2025 schedule kicks off with a tough road game against the East Division-winning Montreal Alouettes on June 6. This game will be an early litmus test for the revamped roster. Other notable games include:  

• Home opener vs. Calgary Stampeders (June 14)  
• Two games against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (July 26 at home, Aug 1 away)  
• There are three crucial matchups against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The games will be on July 4 at home, September 1 away, and October 4 at home. The Labour Day Classic is on September 1. 
• Three games against the Montreal Alouettes are scheduled. The first game is on June 6 away. The second game is on July 17 away. The third game is on September 19 at home. The Argonauts have bye weeks in Week 6, Week 14, and Week 21.  

Full 2025 Toronto Argonauts Regular Season Schedule:

Week	Date	Opponent	Venue
1	Jun 6	@ Montreal Alouettes	Molson Stadium
2	Jun 14	vs Calgary Stampeders	BMO Field
3	Jun 20	vs Saskatchewan Roughriders	BMO Field
4	Jun 29	@ Ottawa Redblacks	TD Place Stadium
5	Jul 4	vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats	BMO Field
6	Bye
7	Jul 17	@ Montreal Alouettes	Molson Stadium
8	Jul 26	vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers	BMO Field
9	Aug 1	@ Winnipeg Blue Bombers	Princess Auto Stadium
10	Aug 9	vs Ottawa Redblacks	BMO Field
11	Aug 15	@ Edmonton Elks	Commonwealth Stadium
12	Aug 23	vs BC Lions	BMO Field
13	Sep 1	@ Hamilton Tiger-Cats	Tim Hortons Field
14	Bye
15	Sep 13	vs Edmonton Elks	BMO Field
16	Sep 19	vs Montreal Alouettes	BMO Field
17	Sep 26	@ BC Lions	BC Place
18	Oct 4	vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats	BMO Field
19	Oct 10	@ Saskatchewan Roughriders	Mosaic Stadium
20	Oct 18	@ Calgary Stampeders	McMahon Stadium
21	Bye

D. Overall Outlook & Prediction

The Toronto Argonauts have made significant roster changes. Despite this, they enter the 2025 season as Grey Cup favorites according to many oddsmakers. Their odds to repeat are around +300 to +340. They are ranked #1 in the CFL.ca AMSOIL Power Rankings heading into Week 1, a nod to their championship status and proven ability to retool.  

The Argonauts possess the talent and coaching to contend in the East Division. However, there are many new starters, especially on defense. This makes a repeat of their 2024 dominance unlikely, at least in the early part of the season. The team’s success will rely on Arbuckle’s consistency. The new running backs, McMahon and Williams, must develop rapidly. The defense also needs to gel quickly under Shivers’s and Eiben’s new leadership. As Wynton McManis stated, “There’s going to be some growing pains but everyone is willing and able”. The East Division is expected to be highly competitive. This expectation is due to improvements in Ottawa and Hamilton. It is described as a “dog fight”. 

Prediction: The Argos will be a playoff team. They need to overcome significant defensive losses. They must also navigate the quarterback situation. Doing so will determine if they can make a deep playoff run. It will show if they can truly challenge for their 20th Grey Cup. Expect some early-season challenges as new units find their footing. The 2025 Argonauts are a fascinating case study in how a champion attempts to defend its title after significant attrition. Their success will likely be a testament to coaching, player development, and the resilience of their veteran core. This is more important than simply out-talenting opponents, as their dominant 2024 D-line often did. The margin for error is smaller this year, but the championship pedigree remains.

Here’s hoping for BACK TO BACK GREY CUPS as well as 3 OF THE LAST 4 GREY CUPS.