Ottawa's 2026 CFL Season Kicks Off With Questions at Every Position
Ottawa RedBlacks fans have been circling this date on the calendar all offseason, and game day is finally here — but it's already arriving with a wrinkle. The RedBlacks open their 2026 CFL season at home against the Edmonton Elks with Jake Maier under centre, marking a new chapter at the most important position on the field.
Maier, who arrives with CFL experience and a reputation as a steady, game-managing quarterback, gets the nod for the season opener. It's a fresh start for a franchise that's been searching for consistency at QB, and Ottawa fans will be watching every throw closely to see if he's the answer the team has been looking for.
Greg Bell Won't Be Suiting Up
The bigger headline heading into kickoff may be the absence of running back Greg Bell. One of the RedBlacks' most talked-about free-agent acquisitions this offseason, Bell was brought in to give Ottawa a physical, dynamic presence in the backfield — exactly the kind of playmaker the offence needed.
Unfortunately, Bell is listed out for the opener due to neck stiffness. While the team hasn't indicated this is a long-term concern, losing him for the first game stings. He was expected to take significant snaps alongside Maier and help ease the new quarterback into the season.
What to Watch For Against Edmonton
With Bell out, the RedBlacks will need someone else to step up in the running game. Expect the coaching staff to lean more heavily on the passing attack early, which puts even more pressure on Maier to perform from the jump.
The Edmonton Elks come to TD Place as a measuring stick. They're a competitive club, and how the RedBlacks respond — especially with a patchwork offence — will set the tone for the rest of the year.
Defensively, Ottawa will need to contain Edmonton's receiving corps and limit big plays. If the D can keep the score close, Maier and the offence will have plenty of chances to find their footing.
Reasons for Optimism in the Capital
Despite the Bell news, there's genuine excitement in Ottawa heading into 2026. The RedBlacks made real moves this offseason, signalling a commitment to building a contender rather than rebuilding from scratch. Maier is a credible starter, the roster has depth, and TD Place should be buzzing for the home opener.
Bell's absence is a blow, but neck stiffness is the kind of thing that often clears up quickly. If he's back in the lineup within a week or two, the RedBlacks' ground game could still be exactly what the coaching staff envisioned when they signed him.
For now, all eyes are on Maier. Ottawa's 2026 CFL season starts today — and the capital is ready.
Source: Ottawa Citizen