Temple Owls

Temple entered the season with a two-man battle between Penn State transfer Jaxon Smolik and Washington State transfer Ajani Sheppard. Smolik had the edge coming out of spring ball, but neither has seized the job decisively. The Owls' passing game, which returns standout tight end Peter Clarke and veteran receivers Colin Chase and JoJo Bermudez, needs consistent quarterback play to reach its potential. The lack of a clear starter has limited the offense's rhythm and explosiveness through the early part of the season.

Rutgers transfer Sam Brown V has emerged as a physical, downhill runner who impressed during spring practice and has carried that momentum into the season. His presence gives Temple a reliable ground option, and the offensive line returns four starters to provide continuity. However, the Owls have not yet established a dominant rushing attack, and they will need Brown to stay healthy and productive to take pressure off the passing game and control the clock.

Curly Ordonez and Eric Stuart form one of the most experienced linebacker tandems in the American Conference. Ordonez, an All-Conference honorable mention in 2025, is working back from offseason surgery but brings leadership and production. Stuart provides a steady complement. Their ability to stop the run and cover underneath routes will be critical, especially after Temple ranked among the nation's worst in rushing defense last season (197.3 yards per game).

Safety is the deepest position on the defense, led by Illinois transfer Saboor Karriem, who impressed with his toughness and athleticism in spring. Cornerback, however, remains a major question mark due to limited experience and depth. Opponents have targeted the corners early, and the Owls will need young players to step up or risk being exploited through the air. The safety group's ability to provide help over the top will be vital.

Senior punter Dante Atton returns as a steady presence, while placekicker Carl Hardin converted 11-of-14 field goals and all 40 PATs last season. JoJo Bermudez flashed elite punt return potential in 2025, giving Temple a chance to flip field position. Kickoff return duties are still being sorted, but veteran running back Hunter Smith offers explosiveness in space. Solid special teams could be a difference-maker in close games.