{"id":610491,"date":"2026-04-17T15:47:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T15:47:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/610491\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T15:47:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T15:47:10","slug":"3-reasons-why-ottawa-could-win-the-113th-grey-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/610491\/","title":{"rendered":"3 reasons why Ottawa could win the 113th Grey Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the 2026 season approaches, CFL.ca has a new series making the case for every team as a contender to win the 113th Grey Cup, highlighting three reasons why each club has a path to the championship. The series is not intended to make predictions, but to showcase the strengths and potential routes for each team entering the new campaign.<\/p>\n

OTTAWA \u2014 The Ottawa REDBLACKS enter 2026 looking very different from the team that finished last in the CFL standings a year ago.<\/p>\n

After a 4-14 campaign in 2025, the organization underwent a sweeping overhaul of both the roster and the coaching staff in hopes of ending a decade-long Grey Cup drought.<\/p>\n

Ahead of their June 6 season opener against the Edmonton Elks, CFL.ca brings you three reasons why the Ottawa REDBLACKS could win the 113th Grey Cup.<\/p>\n

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\u00bb\u00a0Subscribe to the CFL\u2019s official YouTube channel<\/a>
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1. RYAN DINWIDDIE\u2019S VISION
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Ryan Dinwiddie is getting ready for his first year as the Ottawa REDBLACKS head coach (Timothy Matwey\/CFL.ca)<\/p>\n

The biggest change in Ottawa starts at the top.<\/p>\n

Ryan Dinwiddie takes over as both head coach and general manager, bringing a track record of immediate success. From 2021 to 2025 in Toronto, he posted a 51-35 record, turning a four-win team into a contender in his first season.<\/p>\n

He inherits a similar situation in Ottawa and now has full control over the roster and its identity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re moving in the right direction in terms of effort, passion, work ethic, discipline,\u201d said newly signed linebacker A.J. Allen<\/a> during the CFL\u2019s off-season content capture in April.<\/p>\n

Along with Allen, Dinwiddie brought in 11 proven CFL players to help accelerate the turnaround, far and away the most by any team this off-season.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey brought in some big-name guys that make big plays,\u201d said Calgary receiver Jalen Philpot. \u201cMatch that with Ryan Dinwiddie\u2019s offensive mindset, and they should be scary.\u201d<\/p>\n

The biggest beneficiary of Dinwiddie\u2019s arrival is quarterback Dru Brown.<\/p>\n

Brown threw for 2,389 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in nine starts in 2025, with injuries disrupting his rhythm. Despite those challenges, he flashed his upside in a 373-yard, five-touchdown performance against Dinwiddie\u2019s Argos in Week 10, completing 84 per cent of his passes.<\/p>\n

If Brown takes that next step under a coach known for developing quarterbacks, Dinwiddie\u2019s impact could be just as immediate in the nation\u2019s capital as it was in Toronto.<\/p>\n

2. STACKED OFFENSIVE WEAPONS<\/p>\n

Just Greg Bell doing Greg Bell things!#CFLGameday<\/a>
\ud83d\udcc5: @Ticats<\/a> vs. Argos LIVE NOW
\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6: TSN, CTV
\ud83c\udf0e: CFL+ pic.twitter.com\/OJU02IHXe4<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 CFL (@CFL) October 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Given Dinwiddie\u2019s offensive background, it\u2019s no surprise the REDBLACKS prioritized surrounding Brown with playmakers.<\/p>\n

The REDBLACKS brought in Greg Bell<\/a>, an every-down running back who piled up nearly 1,500 scrimmage yards in Hamilton last season. At receiver, Ottawa added Ayden Eberhardt<\/a>, a fourth-year wideout who flashed in BC, and Andy Isabella<\/a>, an NFL journeyman whose 4.31 speed adds a vertical threat.<\/p>\n

They join an already established group that includes Eugene Lewis<\/a>, Justin Hardy<\/a>, Kalil Pimpleton<\/a> and Keelan White, who recorded 482 receiving yards in his rookie season and could be poised for a breakout.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like Keelan White. He\u2019s got sure hands, catches through contact, runs good routes,\u201d said Allen.<\/p>\n

On paper, it is one of the deepest collections of skill talent in the CFL. The key will be consistency at quarterback.<\/p>\n

If Brown stays healthy, he will have all the weapons he needs to make Ottawa\u2019s offence as dangerous as any in the CFL.<\/p>\n

3. DEFENSIVE REINFORCEMENTS
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A.J. ALlen signed as a free agent with the Ottawa REDBLACKS this off-season (CFL.ca)<\/p>\n

While the offence added firepower, Ottawa made an even bigger investment on defence.<\/p>\n

The REDBLACKS added five projected starters: defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado<\/a>, linebackers Allen and Nyles Morgan,<\/a> and defensive backs C.J. Reavis<\/a>, and Demerio Houston. It\u2019s a haul that blends experience with upside: none are over 30, and all are coming off productive seasons.<\/p>\n

The unit needed a reset after Ottawa finished second-last in points allowed (29.8 per game) and last in turnovers forced (30) in 2025.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to be able to adapt to change the fastest,\u201d said Allen, who was central to the 112th Grey Cup champion Roughriders\u2019 defence. \u201cWe\u2019re going to communicate at a high level and show that our turnover is in our benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n

That adaptability will be key. With new pieces at every level, if they can come together quickly, Ottawa has the chance to become faster and more disruptive.<\/p>\n