Ugly year sees uglier end as Toronto Argonauts lose season finale in blowout (& seven other thoughts)

Photo courtesy: Toronto Argonauts

The Toronto Argonauts got blown out by the Calgary Stampeders by a score of 44-13 in the team’s final game of the 2025 season.

Here are my thoughts on the game.

Not going out in style

Finishing their 2025 season with a 5–13 record, the Argonauts, who, even at their worst, often managed to stay competitive, couldn’t have looked further from that reputation tonight. The team appeared lifeless from start to finish. Their 13 points, coming from a late-game touchdown, two field goals, and a rouge, only added more fuel to the dumpster fire.

While it’s clear the team gave what it could through a year plagued by poor play, bad breaks, and injuries, the lack of effort in the finale left a sour taste not just for me, but surely for Argonauts fans everywhere.

Maxing out the QB room

On a night when Jarret Doege was mediocre at best and opened with a pick-six, rookie Tucker Horn underwhelmed in his second half, completing just four of eight passes for 18 yards and an interception. It was newcomer Max Duggan who stood out most under center. As low as the bar was set, the former Heisman Trophy finalist impressed by completing 13-of-16 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 45 rushing yards — the most by any Argonaut on the night.

I’m not suggesting the Argonauts hand Duggan the keys to the QB1 spot just yet. However, he may have shown enough to earn a place in the team’s quarterback room for the 2026 season. Despite his limited appearances over the past two weeks, with time and development, he could become a valuable asset for the Argonauts moving forward.

“He’s brand new,” Dinwiddie told me post-game. “He doesn’t know the CFL game. He’s only been here for about six, seven weeks. I thought he managed it, and as he came in, I think he’s got a command in the huddle. He’s got command of the cadence, I think he’s got a skill set that fits this league.”

Defensive disaster

The Argonauts’ defence looked as though they had already packed their U-Hauls and set their sights on the offseason.

The unit was carved up on the ground, through the air, and most disappointingly, by the arm of backup quarterback Joshua Love, who went five-of-eight for 67 yards in mop-up duty after Vernon Adams Jr. completed 12-of-14 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns on the night. To add salt to the wound, Stampeders running back Dedrick Mills racked up 177 all-purpose yards, while also scoring one of Calgary’s five touchdowns on the night.

Hurdling until the very end

As critical as I’ve been of the Argonauts tonight, and rightfully so, one player who continued to shine was Jake Herslow. Even though his highlight-reel hurdle didn’t count, he still capped off a career year with another strong performance, recording seven receptions for 92 yards.

That brought his season totals to 59 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns, placing him second in the CFL behind Hamilton’s Kenny Lawler.

“Jake’s a very confident kid,” Dinwiddie remarked.

“It was an opportunity for him, and every time he’s had opportunities, he’s made the most of it. He’s a little fired, little scrappy guy. He’s a tough kid. It’s good to see him and take advantage of his opportunities. He can go get it. He can go get in there.”

Changes need to come on the offensive line

Going from a team that produced back-to-back Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman winners to being borderline anemic in their 2025 finale is a steep fall. In the loss, the boys up front remained one of several weak links, surrendering four sacks on the night.

It was a performance that should make it clear, to both fans and the front office, that upgrades are needed along the offensive line if the team hopes to compete and keep Chad Kelly upright when he inevitably returns for the 2026 season. Players like Brandon Kemp and John Bosse, who frequently draw costly penalties or get cleanly beaten in protection, simply won’t be the answer moving forward.

A foot-note in the history books

The lone bright spot in tonight’s game and, in many ways, throughout the season, has been Lirim Hajrullahu’s record-setting performance. His remarkable year has largely been a byproduct of the Argonauts’ struggles to finish drives with touchdowns.

By converting his 56th field goal of the 2025 season, Hajrullahu set a new single-season franchise record. Hajrullahu also recorded his 12th field goal from 50+ yards, which broke the record that was set by Winnipeg’s Sergio Castillo in 2024.

Thank you

As the 2025 season for the Argonauts comes to an end, there’s no “next time” to look forward to — at least for six months. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who’s read my work, engaged with me on social media, or stopped to chat at BMO Field.

I’m sure you’ll see my name pop up again with future pieces for 3DownNation, but for now, it’s a “see you later.” Like the Argonauts themselves, I’m already thinking about the 2026 season. Thank you.