EDMONTON – Just four weeks before the start of training camp, the Golden Bears have bolstered their quarterback room in a big way, as they announced the signing of former NCAA starter Christian Veilleux. 

A highly touted prospect out of Bullis High School, Veilleux appeared in 25 games across five NCAA seasons, which included 15 starts. His first NCAA action came with Penn State in a 28-0 win over Rutgers in 2021, in which he threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns. In the process, he became the first Canadian quarterback to appear in a power five game since former Florida Gator Jesse Palmer in the early 2000's. 

In 2020, he was the first ever Canadian selected as a finalist for Elite 11, a premier quarterback event held yearly in the United States. Among previous Elite 11 finalists include Aaron Rogers, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger and Matthew Stafford among others. 

"I first met Christian at the Manning Passing Academy in 2025 and have followed his career south of the border ever since. He is an exceptionally talented quarterback who has demonstrated the ability to perform in big moments, and I believe he can make our football team better every day," said Golden Bears head coach, Stevenson Bone. "When I watched him compete at the 2026 CFL Combine at Foote Field, I was impressed by how polished, composed, and prepared he was. Our coaching staff is excited to work with him, and I'm proud that our program can attract an athlete of Christian's calibre. This is another important step toward establishing the University of Alberta as a destination for top football talent."

In total, Veilleux completed 54.4 percent of his passes for 4,017 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions over five collegiate seasons. He also rushed 75 times for 148 yards and one score. The majority of his on-field action came over the past two seasons at Georgia State, in which he started 10 games, throwing for over 2,500 yards, and adding 16 touchdowns. 

Veilleux participated at the 2026 CFL Combine held in Edmonton this past March, which was jointly hosted by the Edmonton Elks and Alberta Golden Bears. 

"One of the things that attracted Christian to our program was the opportunity to experience Edmonton firsthand during the CFL Combine. He was able to see Foote Field, our locker room and the facilities available to our student-athletes, while also getting a feel for the city and its incredible sports culture," continued Bone. "He saw the potential of our program and recognized that the University of Alberta is a place where he can continue to develop, compete in meaningful games and prepare himself for the next stage of his career. I'm proud of the quarterbacks I've helped develop throughout my coaching career, and I'm excited for the opportunity to work with Christian and help him continue reaching his potential."

Veilleux will join an already deep quarterback room with the Golden Bears, which includes program completion record holder Eli Hetlinger, former Saskatoon Hilltop and Prairie Football Conference MVP Trey Reider, and Finn Goerzen, who participated in the CFL QB Internship this past fall. 

The Golden Bears will return to action on September 4th, as they host the Regina Rams at Foote Field to open the 2026 season. Season tickets for the 2026 season are available now, and can be purchased at bearsandpandas.ca/tickets.