The Ottawa Redblacks will begin their 2026 regular season on Saturday at TD Place against the Edmonton Elks, with a new quarterback under center but without a key offensive weapon. Jake Maier, who was named a team captain by his teammates after just one month with the club, will make his debut as the starting quarterback. However, running back Greg Bell, a prized free-agent signing, will not play due to neck stiffness that kept him out of practice this week.
Maier Earns Starting Role
Maier, a 29-year-old CFL veteran with 47 starts, was named the starter over incumbent Dru Brown before the preseason even began. He impressed coaches and teammates alike, earning one of three captain spots alongside defensive tackle Mike Wakefield and fullback Anthony Gosselin. In two preseason games, Maier showed flashes of brilliance, leading the team to lopsided wins over Montreal, though he struggled in the second exhibition game. Brown, meanwhile, threw two touchdown passes in limited action last week, but the job is now Maier's to lose.
“Being here for about a month and being in this position is a very humbling experience,” Maier said Friday. “I’m very excited to play a football game. You’re going to see someone that’s prepared, somebody that’s going to try to play the game within the system, try to play the game with accuracy and intention. When the intensity rises, I keep my poise and try to be as competitive as I can.”
Bell's Absence
Bell, who led the East Division in rushing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2025, was placed on the one-game reserve list after failing to recover from a nagging neck issue. He called head coach Ryan Dinwiddie on Thursday night, and the team decided to hold him out to avoid further aggravation. Taking his place as the top American ball carrier will be Elijah Collins, a 25-year-old Detroit native who played at Michigan State and Oklahoma State but has never started a professional game.
The Redblacks are hoping to turn around their fortunes after a difficult 2025 campaign, and all eyes will be on Maier as he leads the offence. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday.
