Breaking news: The Ottawa Redblacks have signed French taekwondo champion-turned-All-Canadian defensive lineman Yoann Miangué, along with two additional players

Ottawa Redblacks Sign Global DL Yoann Miangué, Re-Sign Ambers and Knight, Confirm Hec Crighton Winner Jordan

The Ottawa Redblacks have announced the signing of French defensive lineman Yoann Miangué for the 2026 season, along with the return of two Canadians and the addition of 2025 Hec Crighton Trophy winner Ethan Jordan.

Miangué, a six-foot-five, 310-pound defensive tackle, was an RSEQ all-star and a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2025 at Université Laval. In 22 games over three seasons with the Rouge et Or, he recorded 26.5 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. Before football, the Toulouse native was a member of the French national taekwondo team, winning a Junior Olympic gold in 2014 and a national title in 2017. He began playing football in 2019 with the La Courneuve Flash in Paris and was invited to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in 2020. Miangué played one season with the Dresden Monarchs of the German Football League before committing to Laval.

The Redblacks also re-signed defensive back King Ambers and defensive lineman Deionte Knight, who spent last season on Ottawa’s practice roster. Ambers played nine games in 2025, recording nine tackles and one interception, while Knight appeared in three games, registering one tackle.

Additionally, Ottawa confirmed the signing of Ethan Jordan, the 2025 Hec Crighton Trophy winner. Jordan brings proven CFL experience after four seasons split between the Redblacks, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Toronto Argonauts, compiling 24 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble over 36 games.

The Redblacks finished the 2025 season fourth in the East Division with a 4–14 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth time in six years. Ottawa struggled offensively and defensively, ranking sixth in net offence, fifth in net defence, and ninth in turnover differential.

Quarterbacks Dru Brown and Dustin Crum combined for eight wins in 15 starts, while William Stanback, Justin Hardy, and Adarius Pickett led the team in rushing, receiving, and tackles, respectively. The club also saw a slight dip in attendance, averaging 18,136 fans per game.

With these new signings and returning players, the Redblacks hope to build a stronger foundation for the 2026 season.