Prestigious CFL record is suddenly within reach for BC Lions' Horvath
Here’s proof that there’s more to BC Lions’ Zander Horvath than just muscle.
The Lions running back has been on a tear since taking over the starting running back role in Week 9.
Over the past five weeks, Horvath has racked up a whopping 562 rushing yards, good for an average of 112.5 yards per contest.
During that stretch, he’s added 10 rushing touchdowns, along with one receiving touchdown. He capped off the month of August by hitting paydirt four times against the Ottawa Redblacks.
All of a sudden, despite spending more than half of the season as a backup, Horvath now leads the CFL with 16 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns. He was named CFL Player of the Month in August for his achievements.
But there’s a much more prestigious honour that’s well within Horvath’s reach.
Because of his outstanding recent surge, he’s got a shot at breaking a CFL record that has stood for almost 25 years: the CFL’s single-season touchdown record.
Zander Horvath’s breakout game came on July 30, and he hasn’t slowed since. (BC Lions)
Legendary Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Milt Stegall set the single-season touchdown record back in 2002. He recorded 23 touchdowns that season and ended up being named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player.
Cory Philpot holds the single-season touchdown record among running backs, notching 22 of them in 1995.
With seven games remaining in the CFL season, Horvath just needs to average one touchdown per game to tie Stegall’s record and surpass Philpot with the most touchdowns in one season ever by a running back.
So, what are the odds he breaks it?
Well, considering that Horvath has recorded 11 of his 16 touchdowns in the past five weeks, the odds are pretty good.
One big boost to the 28-year-old’s touchdown numbers is the fact that he’s getting all of the short-yardage goal-line work for the Lions. In a league where the quarterback sneak has become each team’s primary choice near the end zone, the Lions are opting to go with the 6-foot-3, 230-pound running back instead.
So far this season, eight of his 16 touchdowns have come from within the two-yard line.
But from bullish runs to his expanding role in the receiving game, Horvath is proving he isn’t a one-trick pony.
HORVATH HAT-TRICK! š© #CFL pic.twitter.com/CUlL6BtvuR
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 31, 2026
“Just steady improvement,” Lions coach Buck Pierce said after Sunday’s win. “I think him and [Lions running back] James Butler make each other better. We’re able to mix it up a little bit to keep those guys fresh.”
“He runs with power and has speed to the second level. We trust him in the pass game as well. So, just continuing to evolve what we can do with him offensively.”