Highlights:

– Justin Rankin recorded two touchdowns over 45 yards, including a 74-yard rushing touchdown – the longest of the 2025 season
– Javon Leake returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown, Edmonton’s first return score since October 2023
– Tre Ford completed 15 of 17 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns with a perfect 158.3 quarterback rating

Game Recap:

The Edmonton Elks secured their first victory of the 2025 season with a thrilling 39-33 win over the Ottawa REDBLACKS at Commonwealth Stadium. Justin Rankin starred with explosive plays on both the ground and through the air, while Tre Ford delivered a near-perfect performance at quarterback. The victory improved Edmonton to 1-3 on the season and gave head coach Mark Kilam his first CFL win, while Ottawa dropped to 1-4 despite a strong offensive showing from Dru Brown and Eugene Lewis.

Game Highlights Video:

Watch the full game highlights above to catch all the key plays from Ottawa vs Edmonton.

Edmonton Elks Performance:

The Elks dominated with explosive plays and efficient quarterbacking, finally breaking through for their first victory after three consecutive losses to start the season.

Top Offensive Players:
– Tre Ford: QB – 15/17, 212 yards, 2 TD, 158.3 rating
– Justin Rankin: RB – 12 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD; 4 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD
– Steven Dunbar Jr.: WR – 6 receptions, 55 yards
– Kurleigh Gittens Jr.: WR – 3 receptions, 24 yards, 1 TD
– Javon Leake: RB – 5 carries, 10 yards; 1 reception, 46 yards

Top Defensive Players:
– Chelen Garnes: DB – 9 tackles
– Devodric Bynum: LB – 4 tackles
– Kordell Jackson: LB – 4 tackles
– Nick Anderson: LB – 4 tackles
– Nyles Morgan: LB – 4 tackles

Ottawa REDBLACKS Performance:

The REDBLACKS showed offensive firepower but couldn’t overcome Edmonton’s explosive plays, with Dru Brown returning from injury to throw for over 300 yards in the losing effort.

Top Offensive Players:
– Dru Brown: QB – 31/43, 316 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
– Eugene Lewis: WR – 8 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
– Kalil Pimpleton: WR – 6 receptions, 68 yards
– Justin Hardy: WR – 5 receptions, 45 yards
– Keelan White: WR – 4 receptions, 47 yards

Top Defensive Players:
– Adarius Pickett: DB – 8 tackles
– Frankie Griffin: LB – 6 tackles
– Jovan Santos-Knox: LB – 4 tackles
– C.J. Coldon: DB – 4 tackles
– Bryce Carter: DE – 3 tackles, 1 sack

The current CFL standings show Saskatchewan leading the West Division at 4-0, while Montreal tops the East at 3-2. Edmonton’s victory moves them off the bottom of the West Division standings, though they remain in fourth place behind Saskatchewan, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Ottawa stays in last place in the East Division, tied with Toronto at 1-4 but holding the tiebreaker advantage.

This game featured historic special teams play with four kick-return touchdowns in a single week across the CFL – the first time that’s happened since 2004. Rankin’s 74-yard rushing touchdown was not only the longest play of the 2025 season but also the third-longest rushing play since 2019, highlighting the explosive nature of Edmonton’s breakthrough performance.

How will Edmonton build on this momentum when they host BC next week? Can Ottawa bounce back from this narrow defeat when they face Hamilton on the road? What are your thoughts on this game? Share your comments below.