The Montreal Alouettes released running back Marcus Major Jr. and wide receiver Arkell Smith from the practice squad on Monday, according to the CFL Transactions page.
Marcus Major Jr. is six foot and weighs 220 pounds. The 25-year-old from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, signed with the Montreal Alouettes on October 7, 2026, and was placed on the practice squad.
The Baltimore Ravens signed Major Jr. as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2025. He attended training camp and was released on August 13, 2025. The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Major Jr. to the practice squad on September 30, 2025. The Roughriders released him on November 17, 2025.
The Roughriders re-signed Major Jr. on December 3, 2025. He was also drafted by the Houston Gamblers in the 2026 UFL Draft. The Roughriders released him again on February 4, 2026. In Houston, Major Jr. had 43 carries for 228 yards, three rushing touchdowns, and six catches for 37 yards in eight games for the Houston Gamblers in 2026.
Collegiately, Major Jr. played five seasons at Oklahoma (2019-23) with 194 carries for 833 yards, eight rushing touchdowns, completed one pass for -2 yards, 23 catches for 177 yards, two touchdowns, one kick return for 13 yards, and four tackles (3 solos, 1 assist) in 35 games for the Sooners.
Then, he transferred to Minnesota in 2024 with 78 carries for 352 yards, three rushing touchdowns, 20 catches for 144 yards, and one touchdown in 12 games for the Golden Gophers.
Arkell Smith is six foot one and weighs 194 pounds. The 26-year-old from Carthage, Missouri, signed with the Montreal Alouettes on September 27, 2026, and was placed on the practice squad.
The Edmonton Elks signed Smith on April 2, 2024. Edmonton released him on May 17, 2024. He re-signed with the Elks on June 2, 2024. In 2024, Smith made 13 catches for 148 yards and one touchdown in five games. The Elks released him on October 26, 2024.
Smith re-signed with the Elks on October 28, 2024. In 2025, he made 37 catches for 402 yards, one touchdown, and 23 kick returns for 518 yards in 17 games. He became a free agent after the season.
Collegiately, Smith played six seasons at Central Missouri (2018-23) with 196 catches (14.4 AVG) for 2,816 yards (68.7 AVG), 34 touchdowns, nine carries for 65 yards, one kick return for 20 yards, and three tackles (3 solo) in 41 games for the Mules. He was named an All-MIAA Honorable Mention in 2021 and Second Team All-MIAA in 2022.
In 2023, Smith made 98 catches for 1,425 yards, 18 touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 13 games for the Central Missouri Mules on his way to being named First Team All-MIAA and First Team Division II All-American by the Associated Press. Smith finished his collegiate career ranked second in receiving yards (2,816) while setting the school record for receiving touchdowns (34) and receptions (196).
