The Calgary Stampeders have clinched the first overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft following their 42-10 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday night.
This defeat brought Calgary’s record to 4-12-1 for the season. With one game left to play, they can’t surpass the eighth-place Edmonton Elks (6-11) and will conclude the 2024 season with the worst record in the CFL. This marks the first time since 2004 that the Stampeders won’t make the playoffs, ending the longest postseason streak in North American sports.
The last time Calgary had the first overall pick was in 2014 when they selected offensive lineman Pierre Lavertu from Laval, a pick acquired via trade from the Ottawa Redblacks. The last time they received the top pick based on their record was in 2005 when they chose defensive end Miguel Robede, also from Laval.
The top prospect in the first CFL Scouting Bureau rankings is Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke, the younger brother of B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke. However, at 6-foot-5 and 223 pounds, Rourke is anticipated to attract significant NFL attention after leading the Hoosiers to their first 6-0 start since 1967, which may affect his CFL Draft position.
Other players included in the top five rankings are Utah receiver Damien Alford, LSU defensive end Paris Shand, Duke offensive lineman Eric Schon, and Western safety Jackson Findlay.
Calgary will finish their season on Saturday, October 26, facing the Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-7-1) at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The 2025 CFL Draft is scheduled for early May, though an official date has not yet been announced.
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