​2025 record: 5-7 (3-5 American)2025 postseason: did not qualifyTemple was a fixture in Bowl Season throughout the 2010s, and as a result, they became a hotbed for coaching hires. Al Golden departed Temple for Miami (FL), Steve Addazio for Boston College, Matt Rhule for Baylor, and Geoff Collins for Georgia Tech.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut times have changed in Philadelphia, and the Owls haven’t qualified for bowl eligibility since 2019. After four-straight 3-9 seasons, Temple finally showed tangible signs of progress in 2025. Under first-year head coach K.C. Keeler, the Owls raced to a 5-3 start, positioned on the verge of bowl eligibility. However, the schedule amplified in difficulty in November, and Temple dropped four straight to East Carolina, Army, Tulane, and North Texas.After a bitter finish to a promising start, the Owls have now finished six-straight seasons without a bowl appearance. But Keeler has affirmed his commitment to building Temple back into a winner, and he’ll enter year two armed with nine returning starters. With this positive momentum, can the bird take flight again in 2026?K.C. Keeler prepares for year two in Philadelphia, and the 66-year old head coach has shown impressive commitment to his programs throughout his career. He coached Division III Rowan University for nine years, Delaware for 11, and Sam Houston for 11 before taking on the challenge of rebuilding Temple — which he claimed will be his last job during his signing day press conference.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKeeler doesn’t take long to build his programs. By year two at Delaware, he won an FCS national championship. By year two at Sam Houston, he already built an 11-win program ranked in the FCS top-5. Immediate progress was already shown at Temple, but there is still a long way to go toward contender status.Good news for Temple — there’s outstanding continuity on the coaching staff. Coordinators Tyler Walker (offensive), Brian Smith (defensive), and Brian Ginn (special teams) all return for year two on staff. Keeler also promoted passing game coordinator/cornerbacks coach Henry Baker to assistant head coach this offseason. No other major staff changes were made. Every single lead position coach from 2025 remains in a similar role for 2026, and that stability coincides with the return of seven offensive and two defensive starters.StatisticTotalAmerican Rank (of 14)National Rank (of 136)Points Per Game27.8866Total Offense344.811101Passing Yards Avg.197.41198Completion %61.7971Rush Yards Avg.147.41179Sacks Allowed Avg.1.679t-51Turnovers412Key arrivals: QB Jaxon Smolik, QB Ajani Sheppard, RB Sam Brown V, WR Jayce Freeman, WR Demonte Greene, C John StoneKey departures: QB Evan Simon, RB Jay Ducker, RB Terrez Worthy, RB Joquez Smith, WR Kajiya Hollawayne, OT Diego BarajasKey incumbents: RB Hunter Smith, RB Keveun Mason, WR JoJo Bermudez, WR Colin Chase, TE Peter Clarke, TE Ryder Kusch, C Grayson Mains, G Eric King, G Jac