(Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

Want to know how much expectations have changed for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a year?

Just look at TSN's list of the CFL's top 50 players ahead of Hamilton's home opener on Thursday night against the Montreal Alouettes.

Seven of the top 32 players wear TiCats colors, tied for second in the league. Two of the top three, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and wide receiver Kenny Lawler, anchor one of the league's most potent attacks.

Mitchell threw for 5,296 yards and 36 touchdowns last year, when Hamilton won the East title but lost to Montreal in the conference finals on a last-play field goal. Lawler finished among the league leaders in receiving yards and touchdowns, earning a contract extension through 2028.

Coach Scott Milanovich understands how high expectations are in the organization and throughout a devoted fan base.

'There's a much better understanding, from players to coaches, coaches to players, what the expectation is,' he said. 'I don't have to teach that any more. Our core, our foundational guys, are used to what is important to us now.'

That will get an immediate test from the Alouettes, who are hoping for better health from franchise quarterback Davis Alexander. A hamstring injury troubled him most of 2025, limiting him to seven regular-season games and compromising his physical skills during a 25-17 Grey Cup loss to Saskatchewan.

Alexander arrived in Montreal from his Arizona home in mid-April, three weeks before training camp, as a sign of his commitment to the team. He threw for 2,024 yards and 10 scores in limited action last year.

'I can truthfully say this is the healthiest I've been since the injury,' Alexander said. 'It's a massive relief on my end. I get paid too much money to miss the amount of games I did.'

Alexander's play-caller will be new to the responsibility but not to the franchise. Anthony Calvillo, who has served as the offensive coordinator the last three years, will try to succeed in that role as he did when he won three Grey Cups as the team's quarterback from 1998-2013.

'Trust me, he's ready,' said Montreal coach Jason Maas.

--Field Level Media