The Ottawa Redblacks are gearing up for their 2026 season opener against the Edmonton Elks at TD Place on Saturday at 7 p.m. Following a disappointing previous season that saw them miss the playoffs, the team has undergone a significant overhaul, including the hiring of Ryan Dinwiddie as the new head coach, general manager, and offensive coordinator. Dinwiddie, who previously led the Toronto Argonauts to multiple playoff appearances and Grey Cup victories, is focused on establishing a winning culture. The Redblacks will debut new starting quarterback Jake Maier, who joined the team from the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Maier expressed confidence in his early rapport with teammates. The team has seen numerous roster changes, parting ways with familiar players like kicker Lewis Ward and fullback Marco Dubois, while only retaining 12 of their free agents. Gosselin, a veteran from the 2018 Grey Cup team, noted that Dinwiddie's high standards align well with the team’s young core. Dinwiddie is optimistic about starting the season strong, stating, 'We’re going to expect to win every week.'