The Ottawa Redblacks selected punter Aidan Laros and Paul Geelen in the 2026 CFL Global Draft on Wednesday.
Aidan Laros is six foot two and weighs 220 pounds. A native of Capetown, South Africa, Laros was drafted by the Ottawa Redblacks in the first round (1st pick) of the 2026 CFL Global Draft.
Collegiately, Laros spent one season at Charlotte in 2022 with 50 kickoffs for 3,093 yards (61.9 AVG), 28 touchbacks, and one tackle (1 solo) in 12 games for the 49ers.
Next, he transferred to the University of Tennessee at Martin (2023), with 65 kickoffs for 4,099 yards (63.1 AVG), 42 touchbacks, made 10 of 16 field goals (62.5%), with a long of 43 yards, one carry for 23 yards, and two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) in 11 games for the Skyhawks. He was named First Team FCS All-American by Phil Steele and the Big South-OVC Football Association Special Teams Player of the Year.
Then, he transferred to Kentucky (2024-25), punting the ball 82 times for 3,679 yards (44.9 AVG), and 30 from inside the 20-yard line in 24 games for the Wildcats.
Paul Geelen is six foot six and weighs 205 pounds. A native of Utrecht, Netherlands, Geelan was drafted by the Ottawa Redblacks in the second round (10th pick) of the 2026 CFL Global Draft.
Collegiately, Geelan spent two seasons at William Jewel College (2022-23) with 84 kickoffs for 4,945 yards (58.9 AVG), 40 touchbacks, making 15 of 22 field goals (68.2%), with a long of 49 yards, one carry for nine yards, punting the ball 126 times for 5,042 yards (40 AVG), with a long of 62 yards, five touchbacks, 29 from inside the 20-yard line, 16 from 50-plus yards, and two tackles (2 solos) in 21 games for the Cardinals. He was named First Team All-GLVC in 2023.
Then, he transferred to Southern Illinois (2024-25) with 129 kickoffs for 7,907 yards (61.3 AVG), 67 touchbacks, making 25 of 32 field goals (78.1%), with a long of 53 yards, punting the ball 90 times for 3,803 yards (42.3 AVG), with a long of 65 yards, seven touchbacks, 26 from inside the 20-yard line, 15 from 50-plus yards, four carries for 46 yards, one rushing touchdown, and two tackles (2 solos) in 24 games for the Salukis.
