The Ottawa Redblacks have selected offensive lineman Giordano Vaccaro with the first overall pick in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft.
The Winnipeg native played 12 games last season with the Purdue Boilermakers of the NCAA.
“We’re excited to welcome Giordano to the REDBLACKS organization,” said Head Coach and General Manager Ryan Dinwiddie. “He has impressed us at every step of this process, from what he’s put on tape to getting to know him as a person and talking with his coaches at Purdue and the University of Manitoba. We can’t wait to get him in the building and on the field next week and we’re excited to welcome Giordano and his family to the nation’s capital.”
Prior to 2025-26, the 6-foot-3 senior played three seasons at the University of Manitoba, where he was a two-time USPORTS First-Team All Canadian, two-time Canada West All-Star selection and was the JP Metras Award Winner as U SPORTS Lineman of the Year as a junior.
The Redblacks finished last in the league last season with a 4-14 record.
