The Ottawa Redblacks signed offensive lineman Zachary Barlev and punter Paul Geelen on Sunday, according to the CFL Transactions page.
Zachary Barlev is six foot four and weighs 318 pounds. The 22-year-old from Bolingbrook, Illinois, spent three seasons at the University of Illinois (2021-23), playing 26 games, primarily on special teams with two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) for the Fighting Illini. He was named a two-time Academic All-Big Ten.
Then, he transferred to Old Dominion University (2024-25), starting 25 games at left guard and left tackle for the Monarchs. In 2024, he was named Third Team All-Sun Belt Conference after starting 12 games (3 at left guard, 9 at left tackle). The offensive line helped Old Dominion lead the Sun Belt with 209.8 rushing yards per game, and finished tied for second with 27 rushing touchdowns.
In 2025, he was named First Team All-Sun Belt Conference after starting 12 games at left tackle. The offensive line helped ODU set a school record 3,098 rushing yards and 238.3 rushing yards per game, which was seventh in the country and second in the Sun Belt. They also averaged 454.7 yards per game, 216.4 passing yards per game, and 53 touchdowns.
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.
The Redblacks also placed offensive lineman Nouredin Nouili on the suspended list.
