Top 7 Defensive Plays in the CFL 2025 Season

The 2025 Canadian Football League season was packed with defensive drama, momentum‑shifting plays and highlight‑reel moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From bone‑crushing sacks to game‑sealing turnovers, CFL defences proved once again that defence wins championships. Based on standout performances and statistical leaders from the season, here are the top seven defensive plays that defined CFL defences in 2025.

1. Mathieu Betts’ strip sack and fumble recovery

BC Lions’ pass‑rushing star Mathieu Betts was the league’s most disruptive force, finishing the season with a CFL‑high 15 sacks and several forced turnovers. One of his most electrifying moments came when he bull‑rushed a quarterback, stripped the ball and fell on the fumble deep in opposing territory — swinging momentum and setting up critical points for the Lions. Betts’ dominance was recognised with his second CFL top defensive player award in 2025.

2. Malik Carney’s multi‑tackle, multi‑sack defensive stand

In Saskatchewan’s tight 21‑18 win over the Edmonton Elks, Roughriders defensive end Malik Carney delivered a performance that tilted the contest. Recording multiple tackles and two sacks in the game, Carney’s relentless pressure on the edge helped stall crucial drives and preserve the Riders’ narrow lead late in the contest — a textbook example of disruptive defensive play

3. Micah Awe’s pivotal third‑down sack

Linebacker Micah Awe was a tackling machine throughout the season, leading the CFL in total defensive stops. One of his biggest plays came on a third‑down blitz where he flushed the quarterback out of the pocket and brought him down for a loss — forcing a punt in a tight game where field position was at a premium.

4. Interception‑to‑touchdown return by Adrian Greene

Among the league leaders in interceptions in 2025 was defensive back Adrian Greene. His most electric moment came when he read a quarterback’s eyes perfectly, jumped an out route, snagged the ball, and turned it into a pick‑six. Plays like this exemplified how turnovers can instantly energise both defence and home crowds alike

5. Tevaughn Campbell’s game‑changing red zone break‑up

Calgary’s cornerback Tevaughn Campbell was one of several defenders tied for the league lead in interceptions. But his key defensive break‑up in the red zone against a division rival stopped a sure touchdown and forced the opponent to settle for a field goal — a testament to lockdown coverage in critical moments.

6. Jamal Peters’ clutch fourth‑quarter interception

Another standout in the interception race, Jamal Peters delivered a clutch fourth‑quarter turnover that flipped field position and set up the winning drive for his team. The timing of this play underscored the value of ball hawks who can change a game’s direction with a single defensive play.

7. Julian Howsare’s multi‑sack rout

Tiger‑Cats defensive end Julian Howsare had a career‑best sack total in 2025, producing several multi‑sack efforts. One of his most memorable came when he brought down the quarterback four times in a single game, repeatedly derailing offensive rhythm and energising his defence — a dominant individual display of pass rush excellence.

Why defence stood tall in 2025

The 2025 CFL season wasn’t just about big offensive numbers — it was also defined by defensive stars making critical plays when it mattered most. With leaders in sacks, tackles and interceptions contributing to game‑changing moments across the league, these seven plays encapsulate how defence shaped the storylines of the year.

Whether it was forcing turnovers, stopping drives, or applying unrelenting pressure, these defensive highlights were among the most talked‑about moments of the CFL season.