Guelph, Ontario – Friday May 29, 2026 – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated the Toronto Argonauts 20-14 in a preseason exhibition game played on Friday May 29 2026 at Alumni Stadium in Guelph Ontario. Both East Division rivals used the neutral-site contest to evaluate depth players and rookies while testing new league rules in what observers described as a sloppy battle marked by turnovers and penalties.
Hamilton built an early lead in the first quarter when Jake Dolegala connected with Jerjuan Newton on a long touchdown pass and the point after was successful to make the score 7-0.
Toronto stayed quiet through the opening frame but erupted in the second quarter to even the contest. Hamilton extended its advantage first when Tre Ford entered at quarterback and threw a touchdown pass to Newton with the extra point good. The Argonauts answered immediately as defensive back O Goss returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown though the convert was missed. Samuel Hicks then broke a 37-yard run for another Toronto major and the two-point conversion pass succeeded to tie the game at 14-14 by halftime.
Neither side found the scoreboard in the third quarter as defenses took control and offensive execution faltered on both sides. Hamilton reclaimed the lead in the fourth when Ford found Newton for a 12-yard touchdown reception although the point after was missed leaving the Tiger-Cats ahead by six points. Toronto mounted no final comeback as Hamiltons front seven applied consistent pressure including sacks that disrupted the Argonauts rhythm and preserved the victory.
Jerjuan Newton stood out as the games brightest performer with three touchdown receptions totaling 87 yards on three catches while also drawing multiple targets in a showcase outing that highlighted his downfield threat. Tre Ford was efficient in relief completing seven of nine passes for 156 yards and two majors with no interceptions. For Toronto Samuel Hicks ran effectively with 51 yards on four carries including his long touchdown while Anthony Guerico went four for four in passing for 43 yards in his limited action. The Tiger-Cats closed out their preseason schedule with the win and now turn attention to their regular-season opener while the Argonauts wrapped their exhibition slate and prepare for the campaign ahead.
The rivalry matchup delivered competitive reps for both clubs despite the exhibition setting and offered fans a preview of the intensity expected when the teams meet again during the regular season. Hamiltons ability to hold on late after building leads demonstrated promising resilience while Toronto showed offensive flashes that could translate once starters return to full duty. Overall the contest fulfilled its purpose as a final tune-up before the stakes rise in June.