Timothy Matwey/CFL.
With a busy off-season nearing an end, it’s full steam ahead for the Ottawa REDBLACKS with the opening of training camp just around the corner.
There’s one big item remaining on their off-season menu – the CFL Draft April 28, with the REDBLACKS possessing the No. 1 overall pick. While selecting first may not be the same as it is in other professional leagues (some of the CFL’s top-rated players will either be drafted by or sign as free agents with NFL teams), it’s still a big deal.
Looking beyond the draft, rookie camp opens May 6, with training camp kicking into full gear May 10. After a couple of pre-season games (in Montreal May 22, and at home to the Alouettes May 29), the REDBLACKS open their regular season June 6 at home vs. the Edmonton Elks.
Any conversation about the 2026 REDBLACKS needs to start with a new head coach. Ryan Dinwiddie, whose impressive resume includes winning two Grey Cup championships with the Toronto Argonauts (2022 and 2024). Dinwiddie also added the title of general manager when he joined the REDBLACKS in what has to be considered a terrific hire for Ottawa.
Dinwiddie (who will also be the team’s offensive play caller) has assembled an impressive coaching staff. Returning from last year are defensive co-ordinator William Fields, Mike Gibson (offensive line) and Nate Taylor (assistant special teams co-ordinator and quality control). The additions are: Jeff Reinebold (special teams co-ordinator), Drew Tate (quarterbacks), Pete Costanza (receivers), Evan Harrington (running backs), Phillip Daniels (defensive line) and Damaso Munoz (linebackers).
And that brings us to how this team is looking and where it’s heading.
Let’s look back at the recent CFL Combine, which helps set the stage for the draft. It’s an opportunity for teams to get a closer look at many of the top available prospects – on and off the field.
“You don’t want to take everything you see over two days and not look at what you’ve already seen on film and what’s been done,” said REDBLACKS vice-president of football operations Shawn Burke. “But it’s a chance to talk to them 1-on-1 and get to know them a bit better.”
Asked if the REDBLACKS have decided who they will select at No. 1, Burke said: “I don’t think you ever go into the combine with a preconceived notion of who you are going to pick because of the nature of the draft; some guys will be taken away and maybe fall down a bit because of the NFL Draft. (Defensive end) Akheem Mesidor is the No. 1 player on the (CFL Draft) board, but the reality is he will be a high NFL draft pick. You’re likely to take a guy who’ll be in your lineup or you trade the pick.”
Let’s backtrack a bit more, into February’s free-agency period. The REDBLACKS had an impressive haul that included linebackers A.J. Allen, Nyles Morgan, Michael Brodrique and Brian Cole II, defensive backs C.J. Reavis and Demerio Houston, quarterback Jake Maier, defensive linemen Habakkuk Baldanado and Dylan Wynn, offensive lineman Martez Ivey and receiver Ayden Eberhardt.
While Burke prefers to talk about the free-agent class as a whole, one guy to keep an eye on is Baldanado.
“We felt Baldonado (four sacks with Saskatchewan in 2025) was one of the league’s best pass rushers in the last third of last season when he got an opportunity to play because of injuries,” said Burke.
And … “I’m excited to have Dylan Wynn on this team. He brings a lot to any team on and off the field.”
Offensive line is one area where the REDBLACKS will need to step up. Last year’s starting unit played just one game together, largely because of injuries to Zack Pelehos and Peter Godber. While those two return healthy, others like Ivey, Sam Carson and Gregor MacKellar could also push for playing time.
The REDBLACKS also wanted to add some explosiveness on the offensive side of the ball. Bell (1,038 rushing yards with five touchdowns last year in Hamilton) and Eberhardt (863 yards in catches last year with the BC Lions) add to the team’s offensive firepower. The return of 6-foot-6 receiver Nick Mardner, who missed last season because of a knee injury, should also provide a boost.
Another guy to keep on an eye on is speedy receiver Andy Isabella, a former second-round NFL Draft pick (2019, Arizona).
Then there’s Maier, who, at times, was the starting QB over five CFL seasons in Calgary and Saskatchewan.
“We brought in who we believed was the best backup quarterback available,” said Burke. “We feel we can win games with him or with Dru (Brown). Dru is our No. 1, but it’s still a competition – we’re trying to win football games.”
Brown has shown glimpses of who and what he can be. Hampered by injuries, he threw for 2,389 yards a year ago. But what the gunslinger did in the final three games of Ottawa’s 2024 season is very much on Burke’s mind. After throwing for 400 yards against the Argos, Brown upped that with 445 yards against the Ticats. The semi-final game – a 58-38 loss to Toronto – was tight into the final three minutes. Brown completed 46 passes for 487 yards.
“We know what Dru is capable of doing,” said Burke. “We’ve seen that level of competitiveness and his preparation is second to none.”
The REDBLACKS won four games in 2025, but the season before they finished 9-8-1, including a sensational record of 7-1-1 at home. The feeling around the league is the REDBLACKS will be much improved.
What kind of changes to the lineup could we see?
“It’s our job to bring in new players to push and replace some of the veterans,” said Burke. “It’s the veterans’ job to prove it’s not (the newcomers’) time yet.”
What’s the feeling heading into training camp?
“It’s excitement,” said Burke. “We haven’t had the team on the field since October and you want to get back out there. We’ve put 2025 behind us. You have to debrief, evaluate and learn.
“Whether you won the Grey Cup or you’re the last-place team, years don’t carry over. As soon as you’re done one season, it’s all about next year. If you talked to all nine GMs, I’m sure you’d hear a lot of optimism about 2026. Let’s put it this way, we were active for a reason.”
