Ottawa sports fans are tuning into the early CFL buzz as analysts and insiders start making their Most Outstanding Player predictions for the 2026 season, and the conversation has plenty of implications for RedBlacks supporters hoping to see their team rise through the rankings this year.
The Annual MOP Debate Begins
Every spring, CFL.ca's The Weekly Say fires up the league's most passionate debate: who will claim the Most Outstanding Player award when the season wraps? It's the kind of conversation that gets played out on sports radio, in bar booths along Bank Street, and in every Ottawa tailgate circle from the preseason onward.
The MOP award has historically gone to elite quarterbacks and dynamic receivers who put up jaw-dropping numbers over a full season. Past winners have reshaped the league's landscape, and the 2026 race is shaping up to be no different, with several marquee names already generating serious chatter before the first snap.
Why Ottawa Fans Should Care
For RedBlacks faithful, the MOP conversation isn't just abstract league politics. It's a barometer of where Ottawa stands relative to the rest of the CFL. When Ottawa players start appearing in these early-season discussions, it signals the team is being taken seriously as a contender.
The RedBlacks have been steadily rebuilding their roster and sharpening their offensive identity. If Ottawa can put together a consistent 2026 campaign, don't be surprised if a RedBlacks player's name starts creeping into MOP conversations as the season progresses.
The Contenders Nationally
Across the league, the usual suspects, standout quarterbacks from established powerhouses, plus a few breakout candidates, are drawing early attention. The CFL's talent pool has deepened considerably in recent years, meaning the 2026 MOP race could be more competitive than ever.
Analysts are pointing to playmakers who can impact games both through the air and on the ground, a reflection of how the modern CFL game has evolved. Versatility and clutch performance in high-stakes moments will matter as much as raw statistics.
A Long Season Ahead
Of course, preseason predictions are exactly that, predictions. The CFL season is long, injuries happen, and breakout performances have a way of rewriting the narrative entirely. Ottawa fans know better than most how quickly a team's fortunes can shift over 18 weeks.
What's certain is that the 2026 season will bring plenty of compelling storylines, and Ottawa will be right in the middle of the action. Whether the RedBlacks produce an MOP candidate of their own or simply benefit from a competitive, high-energy league, there's reason for optimism on the Ottawa football scene.
Keep an eye on CFL.ca's ongoing Weekly Say series for the latest takes as training camps approach and rosters take shape.
Source: CFL.ca, The Weekly Say
