A New Chapter for a Veteran Receiver
Former Eastern Illinois wide receiver Alexander Hollins is poised to open the 2026 Canadian Football League season as a starter for the Montreal Alouettes, marking his fifth year in the league.
Hollins’ journey through the CFL reads like a circuit of resilience. After beginning his professional career with the BC Lions in 2022, he spent three seasons there before brief stops with the Edmonton Elks and a return to Montreal in 2025, where he finished the year with five late‑season appearances, eight catches for 163 yards.
The 2023 campaign proved to be a breakout, earning him CFL West Division All‑Star honors after he recorded 78 receptions for 1,173 yards and nine touchdowns, a performance that placed him among the league’s most productive receivers.
Prior to his Canadian stint, Hollins navigated three seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and the Cleveland Browns, experiences that honed his skill set and prepared him for the demands of the CFL.
College football at Eastern Illinois University further cemented his reputation, culminating in FCS All‑American honors in 2018, a testament to his consistent excellence on the field.
The Alouettes will open their 2026 schedule on June 4 against the Hamilton Tiger‑Cats, a matchup that promises to showcase Hollins’ growth and the team’s renewed ambition.