Ottawa football fans have long understood that the trenches and the second level win championships — and a new ranking from CFL.ca is reigniting debate about who truly rules the linebacker position across the entire Canadian Football League.
The league's official MMQB column dropped its list of the top three linebackers in the CFL, and it's the kind of ranking that has Ottawa RedBlacks supporters leaning forward in their seats.
Why Linebackers Matter So Much in the CFL
In a league defined by the 3-down game, fast-paced offences, and expansive field dimensions, linebackers carry an outsize burden. They're asked to stop the run, drop into coverage across a wider field than their NFL counterparts, and generate pressure off the edge — sometimes all on the same play.
For a RedBlacks defence trying to rebuild its identity and compete in the East Division, having difference-makers at linebacker isn't just a luxury — it's a necessity. Ottawa's brass has consistently targeted versatile, instinctive linebackers in free agency and the draft, knowing full well that the position is a cornerstone of any successful CFL defence.
The CFL's Linebacker Landscape
CFL.ca's ranking highlights the cream of the crop at a position that has historically produced some of the most celebrated players in Canadian football history. The East Division, where Ottawa competes, has never been short on linebacker talent, and the RedBlacks have faced their share of elite players on the other side of the ball.
For Ottawa fans, these rankings are more than just interesting reading — they're a benchmark. Where do the RedBlacks' own linebackers measure up? Who might be a realistic free-agent target? Which opponents does Ottawa's offence need to game-plan around?
The Ottawa Connection
The RedBlacks have made linebacker depth a priority in recent seasons, and for good reason. TD Place crowds have seen first-hand how a well-timed blitz or a linebacker stuffing a screen pass short of the sticks can completely shift momentum in a tight game.
As the 2025 CFL season approaches, Ottawa's coaching staff will be paying close attention to where rival linebackers are rated — both to scout opponents and to motivate their own guys. Rankings like these have a way of lighting a fire under players who believe they belong in that conversation.
What It Means for RedBlacks Fans
For those planning to pack TD Place this summer, keep an eye on the linebacker battle unfolding in Ottawa's camp. The RedBlacks have the personnel and the coaching staff to develop the next name on that coveted CFL.ca list.
In a league where every yard matters and every down is precious, the linebacker who can do it all — stuff the run, cover the flat, and rush the passer — is worth his weight in Grey Cup rings. Ottawa fans should mark their calendars: the 2025 season could be the one where a RedBlack forces his way into that elite conversation.
Source: CFL.ca MMQB column via Google News RedBlacks feed.
