Rain‑Soaked Beginnings
The 2026 fall camp for the Temple Owls opened on August 5 at Edberg Olson Hall, where players endured a steady drizzle that set the tone for a week of controlled chaos.
Head coach K.C. Keeler used the opening session to reinforce a culture of discipline, insisting that every drill be executed with purpose, a message that resonated through the rain‑soaked fields.
On offense, the chemistry between Colin Chase and Jaxon Smolik quickly became evident, as the duo linked up for a 15‑yard gain that showcased their timing, while later Zander Baptiste stretched the field with a 40‑yard deep pass from Smolik.
Defensively, the partnership of Quante Gillians and JaMair Diaz produced a pick‑six after intercepting a tipped throw, and Denzel Chavis added another turnover by snatching a pass from Cameron Jones, underscoring the unit’s playmaking ability.
When the sun broke through on the second day, the heat intensified, but Ajani Sheppard and Peter Clarke still managed a 20‑yard connection, and sophomore running back Keveun Mason found room to maneuver alongside returning linemen Giakoby Hills and Eric King.
The camp also featured media availability, giving fans a glimpse of the squad’s focus; Jordan Montgomery and Curly Ordonez capitalized on the exposure by securing additional turnovers, while Troy Cunningham disrupted opposing blockers, forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable pockets.
President John Fry attended the full‑pad practice, praising the team’s resilience and expressing confidence that the Owls would translate the camp’s lessons into a strong 2026 season.