In 2025, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats bounced back from two mediocre seasons by clinching a playoff spot and reducing their turnovers and penalties. This season, the Tiger-Cats and head coach Scott Milanovich battled to overcome the challenges that had plagued Hamilton, such as injuries and mistakes. While all CFL teams face these issues each year, the most successful clubs, including the Tiger-Cats this season, managed them more effectively than their rivals.

What has allowed the Tiger-Cats to manage these challenges more successfully than other teams in the East Division? The Tiger-Cats have used better personnel who play consistently good football throughout the season. Unlike in previous seasons, Hamilton built a roster that brings significant balance to its team. Hamilton features successful skill players on both sides of the ball and excellent offensive and defensive linemen.

The 2025 All-CFL East Team highlights the impressive balance and standout talent found among the best players on this season’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats roster.

The mix of outstanding players on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball has resulted in the Tiger-Cats winning the East Division and earning a bye week in the first round of the playoffs. Also, their success this season will allow them to host the East Finals. Ultimately, the Tiger-Cats are now only two wins away from winning their first Grey Cup since 1999. Hamilton’s players who have been named to the All-CFL East team have helped drive the 2025 edition of the Tiger-Cats back to a position where they can have a chance to be the top team in the CFL.

Tiger-Cats Offensive Standouts for 2025

Offensively, the lifeblood of the 2025 Hamilton Tiger-Cats has rested on the shoulders of veteran CFL quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, and his 5,296 passing yards with 36 touchdown passes. Mitchell’s success was a product of the new addition of wide receiver Kenny Lawler to the Tiger-Cats, and this season, Lawler caught 86 passes for 1,443 yards and 14 touchdowns. In addition to Lawler’s outstanding play, wide receiver Kiondre Smith has had a breakout season, recording his first 1,000-yard season with 86 receptions for 1,126 yards and five touchdowns.

While the collection of Mitchell and his wide receivers has helped the Tiger-Cats have one of the best offensive performances in the CFL, it is their offensive line and running back Greg Bell that have put them over the top. Bell established himself as a dual-threat at running back this season with 1,038 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns, and 426 receiving yards. When the Tiger-Cats have leaned on Bell, Hamilton has won consistently. The reason the Tiger-Cats have the ability to lean on their running game is due to the success of offensive linemen Brandon Revenburg and offensive tackle Quinton Barrow. Barrow and Revenburg have both exceeded expectations, fueling the Tiger-Cats’ running game and protecting Bo Levi Mitchell.

Tiger-Cats Defensive Standouts for 2025

The Tiger-Cats have also had outstanding playmakers arise on the defensive side of the ball this season. Defensive end Julian Howsare has shown he still has what it takes to be an elite defensive lineman in the CFL, recording 43 defensive tackles, 13 quarterback sacks, one interception for a touchdown, and two forced fumbles. Alongside Howsare, defensive tackle Casey Sayles has also had an exceptional season with 34 defensive tackles, 4 sacks, and one forced fumble.

What really makes the 2025 Tiger-Cats defensive unit special is the collection of outstanding players in their defensive secondary. This season, cornerback Jamal Peters has demonstrated why he is considered to be one of, if not the best, shutdown corners in the CFL. Peters has 50 defensive tackles this season and 6 interceptions, which ties him for the league lead in interceptions. The player tied with Peters for the league lead in interceptions is Stavros Katsantonis, his teammate. Katsantonis has 69 defensive tackles this season, along with his six interceptions. Another player who has excelled in the Tiger-Cats’ defensive secondary is halfback DaShawn Amos, who added 45 defensive tackles and 4 interceptions.

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