During the 2026 CFL draft, Calgary’s football talent, both coming in and going out, was on full display.

The Calgary Stampeders nabbed seven players in Tuesday’s draft, including American Linebacker Eric Rascoe sixth-overall. University of Calgary Dinos Brayden Szeman, Osasere Odemwingie, Matt Sibley, Ben Dobson and Chris Pashula all heard their name called, as did former Dino Ben Britton.

UCalgary Football Head Coach Ryan Sheahan said that draft day is exciting for both players and program.

“At least for athletes in our world, it’s their dream to go on and play at the highest level in our country and beyond one day, so we’re really excited for those guys that they’re getting a chance to move on and go and compete at the next level,” he said.

“Our goal here is to develop young men and develop great players. Young men getting drafted to the CFL or even sometimes getting an opportunity in the NFL, those are byproducts of doing the right things the right way, having great seasons and really putting a lot of work in and taking care of the details.”

Receiver and Calgary native Matt Sibley was taken 44th overall by his hometown Stampeders. Throughout 28 games in the Dinos’ Scarlet and Gold, Sibley had 105 total catches and seven touchdowns.

Sheahan said that the Stamps’ are getting a special player.

“Matt Sibley, boy, oh boy,” he said.

“He’s dynamic, explosive, stands on his head and catches everything. We’re really, really proud of him.”

New Stamps’ in a new look

Along with Rascoe and Sibley, the Stampeders selected Receiver Jesulayomi Ojutalayo, Defensive lineman Tristan Marois, Offensive lineman Mitchel Schechinger, Defensive lineman Steven Kpehe and Offensive lineman Jack Warrack throughout the draft.

Once the next wave of Stamps’ finally hit the field, their new faces won’t be the only change at McMahon Stadium.

 The Calgary Stampeders have unveiled an all-new on-field appearance, with re-designed home and away uniforms for the 2026 season. 

According to a team-issued statement, Calgary’s home and away jerseys will now feature significantly altered shoulder striping, a Western-style number font, the team logo underneath the front collar and a CGY wordmark on the back of the neck. 

The pants now feature a single stripe down the side and the same CGY wordmark on the front of the hip, the statement reads.

The team is sticking with its existing black alternate uniforms.

Stampeders president Jay McNeil said that the new uniforms will represent the next chapter of the Calgary Stampeders legacy.

“The Stampeders brand means a great deal to our fans across Southern Alberta and beyond. These new uniforms respect the traditions that define our club while introducing design elements that connect with the next generation of Stampeders fans,” he said in a statement.

The Stamps are set to start their season, and debut their just-released reds, at home against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on June 5. 

Dinos coaching staff excited for potential new stadium

Though he’s largely in the dark on details, Sheahan said that excitement and energy for a potential new on-campus arena is palpable.

“I know that some great work has been done behind the scenes with some important conversations and incredible fundraising. We’re crossing our fingers, holding our breath and we feel the tingles a little bit that there could be a major, major announcement coming in the next weeks or months,” he said.

“It’s one of those things that we’re super pumped about, and would be awesome for our program and our institution, but we’re worried about the things that we can control, which is growing as a team, getting better as a team, and trying to win games in the fall.”

Thursday night marked the beginning of spring camp for the Dinos, which all committed recruits can partake in. When the team reconvenes for training camp in mid-August, Sheahan said that the first step will be ramping back into game shape.

As the roster stands, about 70 Dinos players are in their first or second year with the team.

“We’ve got to do some growing and we’ve got to do some maturing, but it doesn’t mean that we’re not talented,” Sheahan said.

“There’s talent and there is veteran leadership in some very important positions on our team. We’re excited about this group, but now they need to come together and make the decision that they’re going to be tough to beat.”

For the 2026 season, Sheahan hopes for McMahon’s stands to be as full as possible.

“For all players and all coaches in University Athletics, you would love to have your team perform in front of a full gymnasium or a full stadium,” he said.

“As an institution, I like the way we rally around each other. We encourage our players to go to basketball, volleyball, hockey, soccer games to support. We’ve got to start by supporting each other. If we’re doing it in a new barn one day, I think it’s only gonna uplift everybody and be a very exciting time.”