Bombers will need vintage Zach back

CALGARY — It’s time to see if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ off-season investments can return them to glory, or if last year’s shortcomings are something money alone can’t fix.

The Bombers, who retooled and reloaded by being the CFL’s most active club in free agency, open their 2026 campaign with a major test Friday in Cowtown against the Calgary Stampeders in a West Division showdown (8 p.m. CT).

“I think we can be a great team, but it’s going to be up to us,” said defensive tackle Jake Ceresna shortly after landing in Calgary on Thursday. “We gotta put in the effort, put in the work, and we got to execute the game plan and do our jobs.”

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so no one’s season will be made or broken in Week 1. That said, no teams wants to fall behind early, especially in a year where there appears to be no easy outs in the West. With Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatchewan, B.C. and Edmonton all having the pieces to be contenders, early-season results become that much more important.

To get you ready for game day, here’s 5 Storylines.

COLLAROS WATCH

The Bombers look great on paper.

They turned heads across the country with all their flashy signings and even made major improvements to the coaching staff by hiring veteran playcaller Tommy Condell.

But at the end of the day, none of that will matter if quarterback Zach Collaros doesn’t return to form.

The 37-year-old has established himself as a future hall of famer, but after back-to-back disappointing years, the University of Cincinnati product has something to prove heading into his 14th CFL season.

He’s also in the final year of his contract.

“I always feel like I have something to prove. Always,” said Collaros. “I have always felt that way in everything that I’ve ever done in my life.”

Collaros completed 63-of-85 attempts for 680 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions in his three meetings with the Stamps a season ago.

It’s only Week 1, but if Collaros — who is 10-9 all-time against Calgary — shows signs of his vintage self in one of the league’s toughest places to play, his doubters won’t have much to say heading into next Thursday’s home opener against Hamilton.

BRING OUT THE BROOMS

Calgary had Winnipeg’s number in 2025.

The Stamps won all three meetings by a combined score of 106-63.

It was the first time since 2016 they swept a season series against the Blue and Gold.

After winning a total of 11 games through 2024 and 2025, Calgary rallied to win 11 last season en route to losing a heartbreaker to the Lions in the West semifinal.

The addition of quarterback Vernon Adams obviously helped, but a key reason why the Stamps found their groove again was thanks to a stout defence that ranked second in points allowed (23.1 points per game).

That entire unit, outisde of linebacker Jacob Roberts who signed with the Minnesota Vikings, is essentially back.

And while they lost two of their best receivers in Damien Alford (New Orleans Saints) and Dominique Rhymes (retired), the Stamps are the real deal. Yet, you’d be hard pressed to find someone picking them to win the West over the likes of Saskatchewan, B.C. or Winnipeg.

“We see it. We’re not dumbfounded to it,” Calgary defensive end Clarence Hicks told the Free Press.

“I feel like we’re always the villain. Ever since I’ve been here, I feel like we’re the team that no matter what we do, we just never get our credit. We just got to win and we’ll shut them up.”

BANGED UP STAMPS

At full strength, the Stampeders boast the best defensive line in the three-down loop.

Fortunately for the Bombers, Calgary enters Friday without two of their star D-lineman: Jaylon Hutchings (hamstring) and Folarin Orimolade (Achilles).

They were both cleared to practice this week, but the club has opted to play it safe and sit them out.

That doesn’t mean Collaros and Co. should sleep soundly the night before, though.

“Well, we still got, of course, No. 1,” said Hicks, referring to his jersey number. “We’re still good. Until they come back, we’re gonna hold it down.”

Hicks was the team’s most recent nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player after recording 12 sacks and forcing a pair of fumbles.

The Stampeders will also be without trusty kicker Rene Paredes and star receiver Reggie Begelton as they’re both starting the year on the six-game injured list.

With Paredes out of action, Calgary is turning towards Global kicker Jude McAtamney. The Derry, Ireland native appeared in five NFL games for the New York Giants between 2024-25 and was let go after going 10-for-13 on extra points.

Outside of losing veteran linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox for the year on the first day of training camp, the Bombers are rolling into Week 1 at full strength.

MEET THE NEW GUYS

It’s finally time to see what the big five free-agent signings — Ceresna, right tackle Jarell Broxton, receivers Tim White and Tommy Nield and corner Jonathan Moxey — bring to the table.

Expectations for the group are sky-high considering the Bombers are paying them over a million dollars combined this season.

“I don’t think there’s any pressure,” said Ceresna. “I’m just ready to roll, make an impact and do what I can to help the team in any way that it is. I’m just excited for the opportunity.”

The Bombers will also have two starters playing the first games of their respective careers: centre Tyler Elsbury and corner Major Williams.

Elsbury spent some time on the practice roster last year before leaving in July for personal reasons.

“I think he’s going to do a great job… I know he’s excited for the opportunity, and we have total faith in him,” said Collaros.

Williams is a true rookie who played in the pre-season for the Kansas City Chiefs a year ago.

OLIVEIRA VS. MILLS

Who is the best running back in the CFL?

Most would argue it’s Bombers tailback Brady Oliveira, but you can’t discredit the weapon out of Calgary’s backfield: Dedrick Mills.

In 2025, Mills led the league in rushing yards (1,409), rushing touchdowns (11), and was second in yards per carry (5.6) while leading in carries (250).

Those were the most rushing yards in a single season since Stamps legend Jon Cornish scampered for 1,813 in 2013.

Oliveira, however, is confident he can regain his throne.

“Very good chance if, of course, offensive line stays healthy, I stay healthy, and the team is winning games,” Oliveira said earlier in the week. “I think if all those things happen, good things will happen not just for me, but a lot of my teammates.”

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