Is 2026 the year of the big-man touchdown?

Nothing makes a football fan smile quite like a “big man touchdown,” hey?

Whether it’s an offensive lineman checking in as an eligible receiver or a defensive lineman running one back, we’ve seen a few touchdowns that fit the bill this season. A good chunk of them have come in recent weeks, and in a lot of cases they’ve come from some of the best players at their positions.

We’ve highlighted three plays that fit the bill and with All-CFL presented by bet365 voting now open, maybe some big scores from some big men might impact how you cast your ballot.

RALPH HOLLEY | DEFENSIVE LINE | TORONTO ARGONAUTS

Let’s start with the most recent example, which came this past weekend as the Argos clinched a playoff spot with a 24-19 win over Edmonton.

In the third quarter of a tight, one-point game at the time, the Elks snapped the ball way over the head of quarterback Cody Fajardo. After an ensuing scramble well behind the line of scrimmage, Toronto defensive tackle Ralph Holley scooped up the ball and ran it back 55 yards for his first career CFL touchdown. It also turned out to be the game’s deciding score.

The defensive touchdown is a nice addition to what’s been another strong campaign for Holley. Now in his second year with the Argonauts, Holley has racked up 22 defensive tackles and five sacks as he continues to establish himself as one of the league’s most disruptive interior forces.

DONNY VENTRELLI | OFFENSIVE LINE | MONTREAL ALOUETTES

Are we going to have to officially change Donny Ventrelli’s position? After making a 22-yard catch as part of Montreal’s 37-30 win over the Lions on OK Tire Labour Day Weekend, he upped the ante this past weekend in Hamilton. With the Als in the red zone, and as an eligible receiver, Ventrelli split left after the snap and quarterback Davis Alexander put one right on the money for a nine-yard touchdown catch.

And while Ventrelli might be thinking about trying his hand as a receiver down the road, he’s doing pretty good work at his current position right now. A mainstay on Montreal’s offensive line, Ventrelli has helped his team average more than 100 yards rushing per game. The Alouettes also lead the league with just 12 sacks allowed this season.

MUSTAFA JOHNSON | DEFENSIVE LINE | MONTREAL ALOUETTES

We had a big man take it to the house during the Forty Creek Quadruple Header earlier this month. In a wild game that eventually saw BC prevail 48-29, Mustafa Johnson of the Als was able to bring one back in the second quarter.

After linebacker Tyrice Beverette got to quarterback Nathan Rourke untouched, the former forced a fumble that was immediately scooped up by Johnson. He ran it back 23 yards to keep Montreal close.

Now in his fifth CFL season, all with the Alouettes, Johnson is in the same category as Holley as one of the league’s most effective interior forces. In 13 appearances this year, Johnson has recorded 26 defensive tackles, four sacks, and a fumble recovery.