Bryson Barnes, the gritty quarterback who made a name for himself in the Mountain West and Pac-12, is taking his talents north of the border. The former Utah and Utah State standout has signed with the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks, adding an exciting new chapter to his football journey.
Just days after participating in rookie mini-camp with the NFL's Cleveland Browns, Barnes inked a deal with Ottawa on Wednesday. He joins a Redblacks squad currently in training camp, with just three weeks remaining until the start of the 2026 season. Barnes is the second quarterback addition for Ottawa this week, signaling the team's determination to build depth under center.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Barnes carved out a reputation as a tough, dual-threat quarterback during his college career. After a standout prep career at Milford High, he walked on at Utah and worked his way into a backup role. Over three seasons with the Utes, he started 11 games—often stepping in due to injuries to fellow quarterback Cam Rising—and even played in the second half of two Rose Bowls.
Barnes started a majority of the 2023 season for Utah, posting a 7-4 record as a starter. In his three seasons at the school, he threw for 2,025 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, while also rushing for 391 yards and three scores. He finished his college career at Utah State, where he initially served as a backup with three starts before becoming the Aggies' every-game starter in the 2025 season.
As a fifth-year senior, Barnes earned second-team All-Mountain West honors, posting career-highs of 2,803 passing yards and 18 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He also showcased his legs, rushing for 740 yards and 10 touchdowns. Following the 2026 NFL draft, he earned an invite to Browns mini-camp, where he competed alongside sixth-round pick Taylen Green.
Though he didn't sign a contract with Cleveland after the tryout, Barnes quickly found a new opportunity with the Redblacks. Ottawa now has four quarterbacks on its roster: Barnes, fellow new signee Max Duggan, Dru Brown, and Jake Maier. Brown started 24 games for the Redblacks over the past two seasons, though injuries limited his 2025 campaign.
For fans of the underdog story, Barnes' journey from walk-on to CFL quarterback is one to watch. His resilience and versatility make him a perfect fit for the Canadian game, where athleticism and adaptability are key. Whether he's airing it out or tucking it and running, Barnes is ready to make his mark in the Great White North.