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- 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.

- Temple pressured three field-goal attempts in its second preseason scrimmage and blocked two through edge rusher Adrian Laing and interior rusher Tyree Alualu after making kick pressure an offseason emphasis. - Temple kicker Carl Hardin made 11 of 14 field goals with a long of 52 yards in 2025 and requested more live pressure work this preseason, although the protection unit still has technique and personnel issues to clean up. - JoJo Bermudez showed big-play punt-return ability in 2025, but multiple long returns were erased by penalties that Temple must eliminate against Rhode Island. - Punter Dante Atton averaged 42.2 yards in 2025 as Temple ranked 20th nationally in net punting, and his improved pro-style technique gives the Owls another option alongside his rugby punts. - UNLV transfer Sam Wolfenden will make his game debut as Temple's long snapper after earning the confidence of Atton with accurate work throughout camp.

- 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.

- 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.

- Temple's starting-quarterback competition remained unsettled after the second scrimmage: Jaxon Smolik and Ajani Sheppard continued splitting first-team periods, and the staff was considering using both early in the season. - Keveun Mason opened the scrimmage with a 75-yard touchdown, but Temple's offense finished 82 plays with 402 yards and only one additional touchdown. - Sheppard completed 25 of 35 passes for 288 yards and four touchdowns across Temple's two scrimmages, showing markedly better efficiency than he did in spring work. - The offense still needed to improve ball security and pre-snap operation after penalties and quarterback-caused sacks surfaced in the second scrimmage. - RB Sam Brown was considered available despite limited work, but right tackle Kevin Terry was banged up and Luke Watson remained sidelined by a knee injury, leaving Zach Aamland to take right-tackle reps.

- 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.

- LB: Looks like Sam Brown, Saboor Karriem, Eric Stuart, Peter Clarke and Grayson Mains will join the ranks.

- 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...

- 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.