Securing the correct quarterback and right quarterback room is often the difference in making or missing the playoffs. Last season, the Elks made the choice of moving forward with Tre Ford as the starter but had a solid veteran in place with Cody Fajardo ready to come off the bench. This move was a strategic safety net echoing the Warren Moon and Tom Wilkinson era. The plan paid off as Fajardo allowed the Elks to pivot during the season. This season, the Elks moved on from Ford and have Fajardo as the projected starter, with young guns Taylor Powell, Cole Snyder and Zach Zebrowski pushing to become QB2 and possibly the starter.
The Veteran Lead
Cody Fajardo enters the season as the projected starter, and his resume speaks for itself. He is the CFL all-time career completion percentage leader at 71.53% (min. 1000 attempts). With two Grey Cup rings and a Grey Cup MVP on his shelf, Fajardo provides a level of veteran stability.
The Eastern Michigan Connection
Challenging for the backup spot — and perhaps the starting role — are two former Eastern Michigan Eagles who share a history with GM Ed Hervey.
Taylor Powel: The 2022 starter at EMU brings 50 games of CFL experience
Cole Snyder: The 2024 EMU starter is newer to the the CFL but has logged 18 games of experience
The Dark Horse… or Dark ‘Mule’
Rounding out the QB room is Zach Zebrowski, a standout from the University of Central Missouri. Zebrowski’s collegiate stats are video-game-esque; he owns six of the top ten passing performances in Mules history, including 2 games over 600+ passing yards. Zebrowski brings high-upside potential to the group…and who doesn’t need a “mule” on their club?
Do not be surprised if the Elks add another arm for training camp.
Elks Passing in 2025
Cody Fajardo 282/385, 3408 passing yards, 14 TD’s, 7 Int
Tre Ford: 82/121, 984 passing yards, 5 TD’s, 3 Int
Historically Speaking
When you think of Edmonton’s history, you can’t help but think of the great QBs this team has had, not to mention the great duos in Parker and Getty, Wilkinson and Moon, Ray and Maas, and don’t forget that trio in 1987 of Dunnigan, Allen and Ham. But when looking at CFL All-Star QB’s, Edmonton has had the following representatives:
1974, 1978, 1979 – Tom Wilkinson
1983 – Warren Moon
1985 – Matt Dunnigan
1989 – Tracy Ham
2006 – Ricky Ray
2017 – Mike Reilly
Take note that only 1978 and 1979 correlate with Edmonton Grey Cup winning teams.
Elks Single Season Passing Yards List
1 – 5830 – 2017 Reilly
2 – 5663 – 2008 Ray
3 – 5648 – 1983 Moon
…
28 – 3410 – 1985 Dunigan
29 – 3408 – 2025 Fajardo
30 – 3394 – 1993 Allen
Elks Single Season Pass Completions List
1 – 479 – 2005 Ray
2 – 448 – 2016 Reilly
3 – 447 – 2017 Reilly
…
21 – 285 – 1990 Ham
22 – 282 – 2025 Fajardo
23 – 275 – 1986 Dunigan
Elks All-Time Passing Yards List
1 – 40,531 Ricky Ray
2 – 26,929 Mike Reilly
3 – 21,228 Warren Moon
…
16 – 4651 Tre Ford
17 – 3748 McLeod Bethel-Thompson
18 – 3469 Claude Arnold
19 – 3408 Cody Fajardo
20 – 3386 Matt Nichols
Elks All-Time Pass Completions List
1 – 3225 Ricky Ray
2 – 2120 Mike Reilly
3 – 1382 Tom Wilkinson
…
16 – 359 Tre Ford
17 – 318 McLeod Bethel-Thompson
18 – 282 Cody Fajardo
19 – 270 Matt Nichols
Milestones for 2026
Based on Fajardo’s accuracy, his running ability and Justin Rankin as rushing threat, the Elks passing offence should improve in passing yardage to 4500-4860 yds (250-270 yds/game) from 4392 last year.
Is it June yet?
