6 defensive players that could be named All-CFL

I didn’t expect this exercise to be so difficult when I got asked to write on a few defensive players likely to end up named 2026 All-CFLers.

But with so much competition at almost every position, there just aren’t a lot of slam dunks when it comes to how voters will cast their ballot at the end of the regular season. It really has been a banner season for strong individual performances on the defensive side of the ball.

With that in mind, here are six players who have a really good chance of earning All-CFL presented by bet365 honours.

DARNELL SANKEY | LINEBACKER | BC LIONS

Darnell Sankey’s stat line is going to be hard for voters to ignore. Entering Week 20, Sankey leads the CFL with 102 defensive tackles to go along with four tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, and a whopping 10 pass knockdowns.

Sankey’s first year with the Lions has gone about as well as anyone could have imagined. Released by Montreal in December after three stellar seasons, it took about a week for Sankey to land with BC. Both sides are pretty happy things played out the way they did.

TYRELL FORD | DEFENSIVE BACK | EDMONTON ELKS

The Elks have owned one of the league’s top pass defences all season and Tyrell Ford has been an integral part. From his regular post at field corner, Ford currently leads the league with seven interceptions on top of 49 defensive tackles and 10 pass knockdowns.

The only thing that gives me pause on Ford being a shoo-in is how many stellar cornerback performances we’ve seen this year. From teammate JJ Ross to Lorenzo Burns, Anthony Johnson, and Benjie Franklin, it’s been a standout year for the position.

JAKE CERESNA | DEFENSIVE TACKLE | WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

The Bombers made one of the biggest splashes in 2026 free agency when they signed Jake Ceresna to a two-year contract. And in his first season with Winnipeg, Ceresna is doing what he always does: using his unique blend of speed and strength to wreak havoc as one of the league’s most effective interior linemen.

Ceresna leads all defensive tackles with seven sacks while also recording 20 defensive tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass knockdown. Already with two All-CFL seasons to his name, it feels likely Ceresna adds a third in a few weeks.

STAVROS KATSANTONIS | SAFETY | HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

Stavros Katsantonis has set the gold standard at safety over the last couple years and that hasn’t changed in 2026 despite a tough go for Hamilton. After earning his first All-CFL nod last season, Katsantonis has put together a solid follow-up.

Katsantonis sits tied for third overall with five interceptions, which is one off his career-high set last year. Additionally, Katsantonis has racked up 46 defensive tackles, four pass knockdowns, and one forced fumble as part of another strong campaign.

MALIK CARNEY | DEFENSIVE END | EDMONTON ELKS

Much like how crowded the conversation is in the defensive backfield, the same can be said about defensive end in 2026. Edmonton’s Malik Carney joins the likes of Clarence Hicks, Willie Jefferson, Mathieu Betts, and teammate Noah Taylor as viable All-CFL candidates off the edge. It’ll be fascinating to see which two end up getting the final nods.

Carney has a ton going for him, though. He sits second overall with 11 sacks to go along with 30 defensive tackles, three tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three pass knockdowns. A huge free agent signing, Carney has been an instant hit with the Elks.

ADARIUS PICKETT | LINEBACKER | TORONTO ARGONAUTS

There’s something about Adarius Pickett in double blue, hey? Pickett’s only prior All-CFL nod came in 2023, which just happens to be his only other season with the Argos. That year saw Pickett record 105 defensive tackles, six sacks, and one forced fumble.

Back in Toronto a few seasons later, let’s compare notes. With two games to go, Pickett is at 99 defensive tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. Annually one of the league’s top SAM linebackers, Pickett is back at the very top of that mountain in 2026.