In the final game of the 2025 season, the Toronto Argonauts lost to the Calgary Stampeders 44-13.
Here are my thoughts on the game.
Don't go out in style
Finishing the 2025 season with a 5-13 record, the Argonauts, who have often managed to remain competitive even at their worst, couldn't give up that reputation any longer tonight. The team looked lifeless from start to finish. Their 13 points, which came from a game-ending touchdown, two field goals and a rouge, only added fuel to the dumpster fire.
While it's clear the team did everything they could during a year plagued by poor play, bad breaks and injuries, the lack of effort in the finals left a sour taste not only in my mouth, but certainly in Argonauts fans everywhere.
Making the Most of the QB Room
On a night where Jarrett Dodge was mediocre at best and opened the game with the sixth pick, rookie Tucker Horn failed to live up to expectations in the second half, completing just four of eight passes for 18 yards and an interception. The one who stood out the most at center was rookie Max Duggan. Even though the bar was set low, the former Heisman Trophy finalist impressed, completing 13 of 16 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown while also adding 45 yards, the most by any Argonaut on the night.
I'm not suggesting the Argonauts hand Duggan the keys to the QB1 spot just yet. However, he may have shown enough to earn a spot in the team's quarterback room for the 2026 season. Despite his limited appearances over the last two weeks, with time and development he could become a valuable asset for the Argonauts moving forward.
“He’s new,” Dinwiddie told me after the game. “He doesn't know the CFL game. He's only been here about six to seven weeks. I thought he made it through that, and when he came in, I think he has the team in the huddle. He commands rhythm, I think he has a skill set that fits in this league.”
Defensive disaster
The Argonauts' defense looked like they were already packing up their U-Hauls and setting their sights on the offseason.
The unit was cut up on the ground, in the air and, most gallingly, by the hand of backup quarterback Joshua Love, who went five-of-eight for 67 yards in the mop-up after Vernon Adams Jr. completed 12 of 14 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns on the night. To add salt to the wound, Stampeders running back Dedrick Mills totaled 177 all-purpose yards and also scored one of Calgary's five touchdowns on the night.
Obstacle until the very end
As critical as I was of the Argonauts tonight, and rightfully so, one player who continued to shine was Jake Hurslow. Even though his main hurdle didn't count, he still capped off his career year with another strong performance, recording seven receptions for 92 yards.
This brought his season totals to 59 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns, placing him second in the CFL behind Hamilton's Kenny Lawler.
“Jake is a very confident kid,” Dinwiddie noted.
“It was an opportunity for him, and every time he gets an opportunity, he made the most of it. He's a bit of a sack, a little scruffy guy. He's a cool guy. It's nice to see him and use his capabilities. HOURWe can go after him. He can go there.
Changes need to happen on the offensive line.
Going from a team that won back-to-back Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman to borderline anemic in the 2025 finale is a steep fall. In the loss, the boys up front were left as one of the few weak links, giving up four sacks on the night.
This performance should make it clear to both fans and the front office that improvements are needed on the offensive line if the team hopes to compete and keep Chad Kelly upright when he inevitably returns for the 2026 season. Players like Brandon Kemp and John Boss, who often commit costly penalties or suffer clean defensive losses, simply won't be the answer moving forward.
Footnote in history books
The only bright spot in today's game, and in many ways throughout the season, was Lirim Khairullahu's record-breaking performance. His outstanding year was largely a byproduct of the Argonauts' struggle to finish their offense with touchdowns.
With his 56th field goal of the 2025 season, Hajrullahu set a new single-season franchise record. Hajrullahu also recorded his 12th field goal from over 50 yards, breaking the record set by Winnipeg's Sergio Castillo in 2024.
Thank you
As the Argonauts' 2025 season comes to a close, there won't be a “next time” to look forward to – at least not for six months. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has read my work, interacted with me on social media, or stopped by to chat at BMO Field.
I'm sure you'll see my name pop up again in future pieces for 3DownNationbut now it's “see you later.” Like the Argonauts themselves, I’m already thinking about the 2026 season. Thank you.
