The Calgary Stampeders enter the 2026 CFL season with stability at the most important position on the field. After a franchise-altering trade that brought in Vernon Adams Jr. ahead of the 2025 campaign, the Red and White have locked in their starting quarterback long-term. On May 7, 2026, the team announced a two-year contract extension for the 33-year-old pivot that keeps him in Calgary through the 2028 season.
Adams Jr. has quickly become the face of the Stampeders’ offence under head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson. In limited action during the 2026 preseason opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders (May 18), he delivered the game’s first points with a 70-yard touchdown bomb to Jalen Philpot, showing the arm talent and mobility that made him a Most Outstanding Player candidate earlier in his career.
Behind the proven starter, however, the Stampeders’ quarterback room is young, deep, and highly competitive. Training camp and early preseason have sorted out a clear initial pecking order, but the battle for backup spots remains fluid as the team prepares for the regular season.
Current Quarterback Depth Chart
According to the official depth chart released for the Stampeders’ preseason opener:
1. Vernon Adams Jr. (#3) – Undisputed Starter
The veteran American (5’11”, 196 lbs, Oregon) is entering his 10th CFL season and his second with Calgary. Adams has started 17 regular-season games for the Stampeders, posting an 11-6 record with strong completion percentages. His extension signals the organization’s belief that he is the long-term solution at quarterback.
2. Josh Love (#12) – Primary Backup
The 29-year-old American (6’2″, 199 lbs, San Jose State) enters his third CFL campaign. Love has shown flashes in previous stints and entered camp with the inside track on the No. 2 job, according to preseason analysis. His experience and familiarity with the system give him a slight edge in early evaluations.
3. Ben Wooldridge (#16) – Emerging Challenger
Signed in late March 2026, the 26-year-old Sun Belt standout (6’2″, 214 lbs, Louisiana) arrives with award-winning college pedigree and immediate CFL upside. His arm strength and athleticism have made him a name to watch in camp battles.
4. Jacolby Criswell (#11) – Developmental Prospect
The newest addition to the room (signed May 5, 2026), Criswell is a 24-year-old American (6’1″, 261 lbs, East Tennessee State). At his size and age, he brings intriguing physical tools and is viewed as a high-upside project who could push for playing time if he adapts quickly to the pro game.
Also in the room: Quincy Vaughn (#19, 6’4″, 253 lbs, North Dakota) remains on the roster but was not listed on the active depth chart for the preseason opener, suggesting he is currently behind the top four or working on the practice roster.
(Note: Former NFL journeyman P.J. Walker, who was part of the 2025 quarterback picture, does not appear on the current active roster or depth chart and appears to have been moved on following injury recovery.)
What the Rankings Mean for 2026
The Stampeders’ quarterback hierarchy is about as settled at the top as any team in the league right now. Adams Jr. has earned the trust of the coaching staff and front office, and the organization has invested heavily in protecting and surrounding him with weapons like Dedrick Mills, Reggie Begelton, and Jalen Philpot.
The real intrigue lies one step down the depth chart. Josh Love currently holds the No. 2 spot, but Ben Wooldridge and Jacolby Criswell are young, hungry, and athletic enough to make this a true competition throughout training camp and the remaining preseason games. CFL rules require teams to carry three quarterbacks on the 45-man game-day roster (plus one on the practice roster), so at least two of these backups are likely to make the final cut.
With a new quarterbacks coach in Jarious Jackson (hired as part of the 2026 football operations staff), the room has fresh eyes and fresh ideas focused on developing the younger passers while keeping Adams sharp.
Outlook
The Calgary Stampeders’ quarterback room is built for both the present and the future. Vernon Adams Jr. gives the team a proven, battle-tested leader who can win games right now. The depth behind him, anchored by Love and pushed hard by Wooldridge and Criswell, provides insurance, competition, and long-term upside. As the 2026 season approaches, how that backup battle resolves could determine how far the Stampeders go in the always-tough West Division.
One thing is clear: the Stampeders are no longer searching for their franchise quarterback. They’ve found him in Vernon Adams Jr.—and they’ve surrounded him with a room full of talent ready to prove they belong right behind him.