Jalen Philpot makes bold Saskatchewan claim over Calgary playoff ambitions

Calgary Stampeders receiver Jalen Philpot has admitted the team had hoped to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders during the 112th Grey Cup playoffs, believing they matched up well against the eventual champions.

The confidence stemmed largely from Calgary’s strong record against Saskatchewan throughout the 2025 regular season. The Stampeders secured convincing victories in both meetings, winning 24-10 at Mosaic Stadium before following it up with a 32-15 triumph at McMahon Stadium. Across the two contests, Calgary outscored the Roughriders 56-25, giving players inside the locker room belief they could compete with one of the league’s strongest sides.

According to Philpot, the Stampeders felt overlooked despite those performances and used that perceived lack of respect as motivation throughout the year.

The Canadian receiver explained that Calgary believed it had already proven capable of beating Saskatchewan, yet still found itself ranked behind the Roughriders in power discussions. That frustration only strengthened the team’s resolve and added fuel heading into the current campaign.

Philpot suggested the Stampeders had no fear of facing Saskatchewan in the postseason and were eager for the opportunity to test themselves against the Riders with a Grey Cup berth on the line.

That showdown never materialised.

Calgary’s playoff hopes came to an end in the West Semi-Final following defeat to the B.C. Lions, preventing a potential West Final clash with Saskatchewan. Based on Philpot’s comments, there remains a sense within the Stampeders camp that they could have challenged for a place in the championship game had they advanced.

Philpot himself enjoyed success against the Roughriders last season, recording nine catches for 137 yards and a touchdown across the two meetings.

Now, attention turns toward the 2026 campaign as Calgary looks to back up its confidence and challenge the defending Grey Cup champions once again.

The two sides are scheduled to meet twice during the regular season, with the Stampeders hosting Saskatchewan in Week 3 before travelling to Regina in Week 18. Including preseason action and a late-season clash in 2024, Calgary has won four consecutive games against the Roughriders, further reinforcing confidence inside the locker room.

Despite that record, Philpot stressed that the Stampeders understand success will not come automatically.

He explained that the team adopted a mentality last season centred around earning respect through performances rather than relying on outside recognition. With Calgary once again projected near the bottom by some observers, the squad is using those expectations as motivation.

Adding extra intrigue to the season is the fact Calgary will host the Grey Cup, something Philpot believes could make the campaign particularly exciting if the team reaches its potential.

Away from team ambitions, the 25-year-old is also entering an important personal year.

Philpot is approaching the final stages of his contract and hopes a productive season can strengthen his position when negotiating a new deal. He is aiming to join the league’s highest-paid Canadian receivers, including his twin brother Tyson Philpot and Saskatchewan star Samuel Emilus.

Tyson recently agreed a lucrative contract extension, while Emilus surpassed that figure shortly after, helping raise standards for Canadian pass-catchers across the CFL.

Philpot welcomed that progress, praising both players for elevating expectations and creating stronger earning opportunities for fellow Canadian receivers throughout the league.

Rather than seeing themselves differently because of nationality, Philpot said Canadian players view themselves simply as CFL athletes competing in their own league and striving to perform at the highest possible level.