Year Two Under Keeler: A Veteran Line and Elite Tight End Look to Cover for Temple's Unknowns
Temple finished 5-7 (3-5 American) in 2025, a season that turned sour late as the Owls dropped their final four games to fall short of bowl eligibility after sitting at a promising 5-2. Even so, the year counted as progress in the debut of coach K.C. Keeler, who arrived from Sam Houston with a decorated resume that includes an FCS national title.
Now in his second year, Keeler leaned hard on the transfer portal, importing roughly a dozen power-conference players while, notably, not losing a single starter to the portal himself. The defining question is under center, where the Owls must replace Evan Simon.
Offense
The competition came down to Penn State transfer Jaxon Smolik and Washington State transfer Ajani Sheppard, with Smolik holding the edge coming out of spring. Smolik spent three seasons waiting behind Drew Allar at Penn State and arrives with essentially no meaningful game experience, which makes him a genuine unknown, but the staff liked his pocket poise and arm talent in the spring game. Both he and Sheppard are athletic, and Smolik's development is the single biggest swing factor for the season.
The headliner is Peter Clarke, a 6-6, 265-pound target and legitimate pro prospect who caught 30 passes for 483 yards and six scores en route to all-conference honors and projects among the nation's better tight ends. On the perimeter, veterans Colin Chase (40 catches, 414 yards) and JoJo Bermudez (38 catches, 500 yards, four touchdowns) give the new quarterback proven targets, and Stony Brook transfer Jayce Freeman adds size at 6-4 after a 774-yard, eight-touchdown campaign. This receiving corps is deeper and more experienced than a year ago.
Rutgers transfer Sam Brown V steps in as the lead back, a physical downhill runner who topped 800 yards and eight touchdowns across an injury-marred career and can make defenders miss in space; keeping him healthy is paramount. Veteran Hunter Smith (403 yards, 6.5 per carry) returns as a change-of-pace and a candidate to handle kickoff returns, with Keveun Mason providing depth.
This is the strength of the team. Four starters return in left tackle Giakoby Hills, left guard Eric King, center Greyson Mains and right guard Jackson Pruitt, with King and Hills solidifying a stout left side. That kind of continuity is rare in the portal era, and the group nearly halved its sacks allowed a year ago while improving the run game. Rutgers transfers Zach Aamland and John Stone plus Louisville's Ransom McDermott add depth, and the unit should rank among the league's better fronts.
Defense
The clear worry. Temple ranked near the bottom nationally against the run, surrendering roughly 197 yards per game, and managed just 16 sacks before losing most of its front, so the staff rebuilt the position almost entirely through the portal. Penn State transfer Kaleb Artis anchors inside after missing 2025 with injury, edge rusher Jaylon Joseph brings 7.5 sacks and repeat all-conference production from Lafayette, and East Mississippi CC transfer Davier Bishop (seven sacks) and Albany's Deshon Dodson are among newcomers hoping to earn early roles. Physicality and consistency are the demands.
The backbone of the defense. Curly Ordonez, an all-conference honorable mention who led the team with 66 tackles, is working back from offseason surgery but pairs with Eric Stuart (44 tackles) for an experienced, productive duo that represents the deepest this position has been in years. Sam Houston transfer JaMair Diaz adds to the rotation.
A mixed picture. Safety is arguably the deepest spot, headlined by veteran Avery Powell (54 tackles) and Illinois transfer Saboor Karriem, who impressed in the spring with his toughness and athleticism and looks ready to contribute right away. Cornerback is the bigger question given thin experience and depth, with Denzel Chavis and Earl Kulp among those competing for larger roles. The back seven carries a home-grown feel.
A quiet strength. Punter Dante Atton returns after a strong season, averaging 42.2 yards with a solid net, and became the first Owl specialist to be awarded a single-digit jersey. Placekicker Carl Hardin was dependable, converting 11 of 14 field goals with a long of 52 and all 40 extra points. Bermudez is a dangerous punt returner, and Smith figures into the kick-return picture.
Overview and Prediction
The schedule offers a tune-up against Rhode Island before a trip to Penn State, with Toledo and UConn also on the docket, and the American slate is widely regarded as one of the tougher ones. The preseason consensus pegs Temple around eighth or ninth in the conference.
With a veteran offensive line, a deeper receiving corps led by Clarke, and a strong linebacker room, the Owls have the ingredients to chase their first bowl since 2019. Everything hinges on Smolik settling in quickly and the rebuilt defensive front holding up. A finish near .500 is realistic, and having come within one win of a bowl a year ago, the make-or-break is whether the new quarterback and the new defensive line come together early against a demanding schedule.