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The good news is that Thursday was Temple’s first bad practice
- In his August 27 preseason update, Temple coach K.C. Keeler said neither Jaxon Smolik nor Ajani Sheppard had separated in the quarterback competition and that both could play against Rhode Island; this was not a confirmed two-quarterback plan.
- Keeler attributed the quarterbacks' early camp struggles to strong defensive-line play and tighter coverage, then reported improving quarterback rhythm as Temple's offensive line developed.
- As of August 27, starting right tackle Kevin Terry had resumed limited-contact practice after an apparent scrimmage injury, and Keeler expected him back for Temple's season opener.
- Zach Aamland played well after moving from backup guard to starting tackle during Terry's absence, earning a place in Temple's planned seven-man offensive-line rotation regardless of Terry's return.
- Luke Watson's first-week camp knee injury was not considered season-ending, but his return timetable remained uncertain in the August 27 report.
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Offense flips the script in Temple’s first preseason scrimmage
- Temple's offense produced four touchdowns, two field goals and 479 yards over 83 plays in the first preseason scrimmage after the defense had controlled most of the opening 10 camp practices.
- Jaxon Smolik worked exclusively with the first-team offense and finished 13 of 26 for 171 yards with one touchdown and an interception; Ajani Sheppard led the second-team offense and went 12 of 16 for 162 yards and three touchdowns.
- Freshman WR Coen Logan caught four passes for 93 yards and a touchdown, including a 48-yard score from Sheppard.
- Cornerback Denzel Chavis was Temple's defensive standout with an interception and three pass breakups, while nose tackle Lamar Fairfax forced a fumble that the offense recovered.
- Temple used 47 passes and 18 quarterback runs against only 18 running-back carries as it emphasized the quarterback battle; top RB Sam Brown was limited to three carries over eight snaps.
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Owls say final scrimmage will ‘set the tone’ for season opener
- Temple's quarterback competition between Jaxon Smolik and Ajani Sheppard remained open entering the final scrimmage; Smolik appeared to hold an edge, but K.C. Keeler had not named a starter.
- Temple's defensive depth chart had been stable through two weeks, but the defensive-line starting group and rotation remained unsettled, with edge rusher Jaylon Joseph positioned as a key contributor.
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Mason’s run highlights block party in Temple’s second scrimmage
- Keveun Mason scored on a 75-yard run on the opening play of Temple's second scrimmage, but the offense produced only one more touchdown over the remaining 82 plays.
- Ajani Sheppard completed 13 of 19 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, while Jaxon Smolik went 9 of 16 for 77 yards; the two quarterbacks split work behind the first-team line after Smolik took all first-team reps in the first scrimmage.
- Temple's defense improved after allowing four touchdowns in the first scrimmage, with Jaylon Joseph, Kevin Hornbeak and JaMair Diaz recording sacks and Joseph also batting down a pass.
- Kicker Carl Hardin made from 55 yards, but Temple had two field-goal attempts blocked, including Hardin's 57-yard try and Luke Cochrane's 37-yard attempt.
- Sam Brown, Rameir Hardy, Reis Stocksdale, Luke Watson, Jayvant Brown and Jett White were held out; Watson was the only player in that group expected to remain sidelined for an extended period.
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Temple Mourns Former Owls' Captain Paul Darragh - Temple
- He made a few coaching stops before finding a home at Bloomsburg University.
- Darragh spent 23 seasons with Bloomsburg, including seven as head coach after serving 16 seasons as the program's defensive coordinator.
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Pro Football Network Names 2026 Preseason All American Honors - Temple
- PHILADELPHIA – Pro Football Network announced its 2026 Preseason All-America Team and Preseason All-American Conference Team.
- Nine Owls take up spots on two different lists including senior punter Dante Atton and senior tight end Peter Clarke each made their way onto the All-American squads.
- Atton was named to the PFN All-America First Team as a punter and Clarke was named to the All-America Third Team as a tight...
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Temple Football 2026 Fall Camp Blog - Temple
- PHILADELPHIA – Football season is here and the Temple Owls are back at 10th & Diamond.
- Keeler and the Owls will begin a four-week training camp starting Wednesday, August 5, at Edberg Olson Hall.
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