Lions' Rourke, Bombers' Oliveira, Alouettes' Philpot finalists for CFL's top Canadian

B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke is in the running to defend his CFL top Canadian award.

Rourke was named as a finalist for the honour Tuesday. He was the league's top Canadian and outstanding player last season.

Rourke, of Victoria, threw for 4,614 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 70.5 per cent of his passes. He also ran for 356 yards — averaging 11.5 yards per carry — and three touchdowns.

Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira — the CFL's top Canadian in 2023-24, and its outstanding player in 2024 — and Montreal receiver Tyson Philpot are the other finalists.

Oliveira was the CFL's top rusher this season, with 1,493 yards, and averaged 6.3 yards per carry. The Winnipeg native recorded his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign while adding 42 catches for 348 yards and scoring eight total TDs (seven rushing, one receiving).

Philpot led the CFL in receiving, with 124 catches for 1,809 yards, and was tied with teammate Tyler Snead for most TD grabs (13 apiece). Philpot, of Delta, B.C., set new Canadian standards for receptions and yards, accomplishing both feats in 16 games.

Winnipeg's Jarell Broxton and Montreal Alouettes Nick Callender and Pier-Olivier Lestage are the top lineman finalists.

Toronto receiver Tyler Kahmann, B.C. linebacker Parker McKenna and Bombers defensive back Major Williams will vie for the outstanding rookie honour.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Major Williams celebrates an interception in a game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in July. (Nick Iwanyshyn/The Canadian Press)

Broxton started 17 games this season with Winnipeg and helped pave the way for Oliveira. Broxton ranked second among offensive tackles, with a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 75.2 (minimum of 100 snaps).

Callende