First Overall Draft Pick Giordano Vaccaro Lines Up for Ottawa Redblacks in Preseason Opener

Ottawa Redblacks first overall pick Giordano Vaccaro is set to start at left guard when the Redblacks open their 2026 CFL preseason against the Montreal Alouettes at Percival Molson Stadium on Friday. The Winnipeg native was selected with the top pick in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft out of Purdue University, where he played 12 games in 2025. Standing six-foot-two and weighing 307 pounds, Vaccaro previously won the J.P. Metras Trophy as the country’s top lineman in 2024 while at the University of Manitoba. Dinwiddie and the Redblacks expect the award-winning blocker to contribute immediately on a renovated offensive line.

Sources: 3DownNation

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CFL Reveals American Broadcast Schedule for Final Year of CBS Sports Network Deal

The Canadian Football League has unveiled its 2026 American broadcast schedule, confirming that 34 regular-season games will air live on CBS Sports Network for the fourth consecutive year. The entire opening week slate will be included in the coverage, along with the Labour Day Classic rivalry games and the Thanksgiving Classic. This marks the final year of a deal worth a reported $1 million annually that expires at the end of the 2026 season, coinciding with the expiry of TSN’s Canadian broadcast rights. The remaining 47 regular-season games, plus the playoffs and the 112th Grey Cup in November, will stream free on CFL+.

Sources: 3DownNation

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Kalil Pimpleton Ready to Add Return Duties to Role with Ottawa Redblacks

Ottawa Redblacks receiver Kalil Pimpleton says he is prepared to take on special teams return duties if the coaching staff calls on him in 2026. Pimpleton, 27, has been one of the Redblacks’ most productive pass-catchers over the past two seasons, recording 113 receptions for 1,437 yards and four touchdowns across 26 games. Though not listed on the official depth chart for Friday’s preseason opener against Montreal, Pimpleton’s versatility makes him a valuable roster piece for new head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. The speedster signed an extension with Ottawa this offseason and views the return role as an extension of his value to the team.

Sources: 3DownNation

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Arthur Hamlin Gets First Crack at Safety for Montreal Alouettes in Preseason Clash with Ottawa

The Montreal Alouettes will start Arthur Hamlin at safety when they host the Ottawa Redblacks in Friday’s preseason opener at Percival Molson Stadium. Hamlin steps into the vacancy created by veteran Marc-Antoine Dequoy’s retirement, a significant role given Dequoy’s importance to Montreal’s defensive backfield in recent seasons. The Alouettes are fielding much of their projected starting lineup for the early preseason game, signaling the coaching staff’s interest in evaluating depth at multiple positions. Hamlin spoke during camp about his desire to earn a spot alongside players like Micah Awe and Jonathan Sutherland as Montreal builds toward the 2026 regular season opener on June 4.

Sources: 3DownNation

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Chad Kelly Aims to Recapture Most Outstanding Player Form After Two-Year Absence in Toronto

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly is preparing to return to CFL action after missing the entire 2025 season with a complicated injury suffered in the 2024 East Final against Montreal. Kelly won the Most Outstanding Player award in 2023 and has not played a live snap of football since the setback. TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor reports Kelly has told reporters he feels quicker than before and is eager to reassert himself. The Argonauts strengthened his protection this offseason by signing offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley, while new head coach Mike Miller has expressed confidence ahead of the regular season opener on June 4.

Sources: TSN

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