Third Down Gamble

Andrew Hoskins (Turf District Podcast) co-hosts to help discuss the opening of CFL training camps, what the expectations are for players at camp, the importance of pre-season games, and the new Head Coaches that are trying to mold teams in Ottawa and Toronto.  April 28, 2026 the CFL announced new playoff-participation rules and we try to make more sense of them.  (CFL on CBC theme used with express permission; podcast recorded May 11, 2026).

Ben Grant (part of TSN 1050 radio broadcasting Toronto Argonauts football games) joins to discuss the big changes in Toronto: a new Head Coach (Mike Miller), a new Defensive Coordinator (Greg Quick), the return of quarterback Chad Kelly, the departure of middle linebacker Winton McManis, the Argonauts being on the road until August 6, 2026, the new-look CFL rules and filed dimensions, and much more.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded April 21, 2026).

CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston unleashes more dramatic changes to the CFL for 2027... this time in terms of season-scheduling (starts on the Victoria Weekend and ends the first weekend of November) and a playoff format where eight-of-nine teams make the playoffs (88.8%).  How do people feel about the expanded playoff format; is this the last of these major announcements?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded April 29, 2026).

Special guest (author) Paul Woods discusses his Youtube Channel "Canadian Football Time Machine' where he uploads years of news stories about the CFL and the great value and importance of keeping the CFL's history alive.  He talks about his recent book "Year of the Rocket" chronicling the Raghib Ismail era in Toronto.  Paul discusses how the Argonauts franchise ended a 31 year Grey Cup drought in Vancouver in 1983.  Paul discusses his experiences at Grey Cups, the news rules coming to the CFL, and much more.  (TSN game audio, CFL on CBC theme used with express permission, podcast recorded March 18, 2026).

Special guest Sean Campell (english radio-voice of the Montreal Alouettes on TSN 690) talks about the 2025 season, the hamstring injury, the resilience of the Alouettes to get to the 2025 Grey Cup.  Sean also discuss what a healthy quarterback Davis Alexander could mean for team fortunes in 2026, the many changes in the Alouettes' defence that defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe will have to overcome. (CFL on CBC theme and game audio used with express permission; podcast recorded March 17, 2026).