The Alouettes make room in the nest for a two-time Vanier Cup champion

The Montreal Alouettes recently made official the arrival of a well-known young talent in québécois university football from the RSEQ.

Defensive winger Gabriel Maisonneuve, 25, has signed a three-season contract reserved for CFL rookies, almost eight months after being selected by the Montreal organization in the 2025 draft.

Before making the leap to the pros, however, Maisonneuve made an unusual but well-considered decision. Rather than attempt to join the CFL immediately, he opted to extend his university career with the Université de Montréal Carabins.

This fifth season not only allowed him to hone his game, but also to complete his training in electrical engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, a personal priority for the athlete. He discussed this motivation with Philippe Asselin in a Journal de Montréal article.

A mainstay of the Carabins' defensive line, Maisonneuve faced the most formidable forwards in Canadian university football week after week. His impact was major, contributing directly to the Montreal team's conquest of the national championship, a landmark achievement in his career.

Valuable experience for Alouettes camp

Maisonneuve will arrive at the Alouettes' practice camp in May with a much more complete profile. In addition to having been named defensive star of his university team, he will be able to count on experience already acquired in the professional environment.

The québécois believes that his time at the Alouettes camp last season enabled him to raise his physical and technical level. This immersion, combined with a dominant year with the Carabins, could represent a major asset when he tries to carve out a place on the roster in 2026.

For the Alouettes, it's a calculated bet on a mature, disciplined player ready to take on the demands of Canadian professional football.

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