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Ottawa Redblacks quaterback Bryson Barnes (17) protects the ball from Montreal Alouettes' Najee Murray (12) during second half CFL football action in Montreal, on Thursday, August 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
By The Canadian Press

Ottawa Redblacks to start rookie Bryson Barnes versus Toronto Argonauts

Oct 14, 2026 | 12:09 PM

OTTAWA — Rookie Bryson Barnes will get the start Friday night when the Ottawa Redblacks (0-16) host the Toronto Argonauts (9-7).

Ryan Dinwiddie, Ottawa’s head coach/GM, made the announcement following Wednesday’s practice.

The expectation is Barnes will also start Ottawa’s regular-season finale in Hamilton on Oct. 24.

Barnes, 25, will become Ottawa’s third starting quarterback this season after veterans Jake Maier and McLeod Bethel-Thompson.

Maier made 12 straight starts before being replaced by Bethel-Thompson.

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The six-foot-one, 213-pound Barnes has been used mostly in short-yardage situations this season, having rushed 41 times for 95 yards and nine touchdowns over 14 games.

Barnes has completed 10-of-13 passes this season for 110 yards with an interception.

Barnes played collegiately at Utah and Utah State.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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