The Ottawa REDBLACKS close out their 2026 pre-season schedule on Friday night, welcoming the Montreal Alouettes to TD Place for a final tune-up before next week’s home opener.
Friday’s game comes with added intrigue following Thursday’s announcement that Jake Maier will not only start against Montreal, but will also open the regular season as Ottawa’s starting quarterback.
“Jake’s had a good camp. He solidified it a bit last week, I thought he played well against Montreal’s (first) unit. He’s throwing the football well, and he’s moving better than he has in the past. He did a great job this off-season training. We feel like we need to get him more reps with the ones.” said Coach Dinwiddie.
Maier impressed in last week’s 27-12 win over the Alouettes in Montreal, completing 10-of-14 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns while leading a pair of scoring drives against Montreal’s starting defensive unit. The veteran pivot showed command of the offence throughout the the first quarter helping Ottawa build an early lead.
One week later, he’ll get another opportunity to work alongside the REDBLACKS’ first-team offence as the club continues preparing for its June 5 regular season opener against Edmonton at TD Place with Maier as the starter.
“It means a lot. I’m super grateful for (Dinwiddie’s) trust. When it comes to starting any football game for a team up here, it’s a great honour, you can’t take it lightly … ever.” said Maier
Last week’s pre-season opener featured several encouraging performances on both sides of the football for Ottawa.
Along with Maier’s strong outing, the REDBLACKS saw contributions from a number of newcomers and young players, including second-year receiver Keelan White, who made the most of his opportunities, posting two receptions for 16 yards and two touchdowns.
Ottawa’s defence was impressive throughout and held the Alouettes to a single touchdown. Rookie defensive back Ro Torrence nabbed an interception while first year CFLer Luigi Vilain got on the board with his first quarterback sack.
Newcomer Bryson Barnes also impressed in his snaps, completing all eight of his passes for 109 yards while also adding 15 yards on two carries, including a nine-yard touchdown scamper. He’ll figure into the game plan on Friday, likely in the second half alongside TCU product Max Duggan as the two look to determine who will get the third spot in the quarterback room.
Friday’s rematch presents one final opportunity for players to solidify their place before the regular season begins, with competition expected throughout the lineup.
This also presents RNation with an opportunity to see the 2026 REDBLACKS up close and personal for the first time this season. The veteran players will likely see action in the first half but there’s also an opportunity to witness a breakout performance from an unexpected player, who could be a key piece of the 2026 club.
The REDBLACKS look enter this new season looking to build on the progress shown throughout training camp under head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, with Friday serving as the final step before the games begin to count.
Kickoff from TD Place is set for 7:00 p.m.
