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Edmonton Elks' running back Justin Rankin (5) evades a tackle by Ottawa Redblacks' defensive back CJ Reavis (8) during second half regular season CFL action in Ottawa, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
By The Canadian Press

Rankin, Kennedy, Ceresna named CFL’s top players for Week 1 of 2026

Jun 9, 2026 | 11:47 AM

TORONTO — Edmonton running back Justin Rankin, Montreal defensive back Robert Kennedy III and Winnipeg defensive lineman Jake Ceresna have been named the CFL’s top players of Week 1 of the 2026 season.

Rankin had 102 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in Edmonton’s 29-21 win at Ottawa on Saturday.

He added five receptions for 94 yards, including a 63-yard catch in the third quarter.

Kennedy scored his first career touchdown with a 54-yard interception in the Alouettes’ 30-27 win at Hamilton on Thursday.

He added a defensive tackle and a forced fumble.

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Ceresna recorded three sacks — a single-game career high — and added five defensive tackles in the Blue Bombers’ 30-28 win in Calgary on Friday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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