Mason, defense power Temple past Rhode Island in season opener

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PFN Staff | September 6, 2026

Keveun Mason rushed for a career-high 158 yards, while the Owls recorded two pick-sixes in their 38-14 victory.

Temple Football did everything they were supposed to do in their 38-14 season-opening victory over Rhode Island.

The Owls kicked off their much-anticipated 2026 season at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, and while many of the program’s burning questions remain unanswered, they delivered a strong performance in nearly every facet of the game.

Temple paired contributions from both quarterback contenders with a career day from running back Keveun Mason. Its defense added two touchdowns and shut out the defending Coastal Athletic Association champions in the second half.

Two-QB Spark

After an offseason of speculation about which quarterback would take the field first, head coach K.C. Keeler answered in the most fitting way possible—by putting both of them on the field.

Jaxon Smolik lined up at quarterback on Temple’s first offensive snap, with Ajani Sheppard beside him in the backfield. Smolik shuffled the ball to Sheppard, who rolled to his right and found wide receiver Colin Chase for a 21-yard gain.

Mason followed with a 20-yard run before Smolik connected with wide receiver Jayce Freeman for an 18-yard touchdown. The completion, which put Temple ahead 7-0 less than three minutes into the game, came on Smolik’s first collegiate passing attempt.

Rhode Island answered when quarterback Tyler Budge found wide receiver Marquis Buchanan for a 35-yard touchdown, but Temple regained the lead through Carl Hardin’s 33-yard field goal on its second possession.

Smolik and Sheppard continued alternating throughout the afternoon. Smolik completed 4-of-6 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown but lost a fumble in the second quarter. Sheppard finished 5-of-10 for 85 yards and added 23 yards on the ground.

“The quarterbacks, no one took charge,” Keeler said after the game. “We’ll watch the tape.”

Keeler described the competition as ongoing and said Temple could continue splitting the position evenly or eventually use one quarterback in a specialized package.

Mason Takes Over

Temple entered the opener without starting running back Sam Brown, who Keeler said should be available against Penn State. Mason took advantage of the expanded opportunity.

The sophomore rushed for a career-high 158 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt. He also caught two passes for 34 yards, giving him 192 yards from scrimmage.

“I know what I can do,” Mason said after the game. “Put the ball in my hands, and I believe I can make a play.”

Mason’s first touchdown came when Temple needed an answer. Budge’s one-yard score trimmed the Owls’ lead to 17-14 with 2:22 remaining in the first half, but Temple responded with a seven-play, 75-yard drive. Mason finished it with a one-yard touchdown 16 seconds before halftime.

He found the end zone again late in the third quarter, capping an 82-yard drive that lasted 17 plays and more than eight minutes. His three-yard touchdown extended Temple’s advantage to 31-14 and left Rhode Island without enough possessions to mount a comeback.

Temple finished with 227 rushing yards and averaged five yards per carry despite playing without Brown and multiple starting offensive linemen.

Defense Seals It

Temple’s defense provided separation in what remained a competitive game throughout the first half.

Safety Jamarcus Pierre stepped in front of a Budge pass during the second quarter and returned the interception 35 yards for his first collegiate touchdown. The play gave Temple a 17-7 advantage without its offense taking the field.

Linebacker Tyree Alualu delivered the final blow midway through the fourth quarter. He intercepted Budge and raced 63 yards along the sideline for Temple’s second defensive touchdown, marking the first game in program history in which the Owls recorded two pick-sixes.

Temple later forced its third turnover when linebacker Jordan Montgomery stripped Rhode Island running back Terrence Campbell and defensive lineman Bryson Goodwin recovered the fumble.

The Owls limited Rhode Island to 97 rushing yards and 3.2 yards per carry. Although Buchanan finished with 10 catches for 137 yards, Temple kept the Rams scoreless after halftime and allowed just 292 total yards.

Punt returner JoJo Bermudez contributed on special teams with 86 yards on four returns, including a 47-yard return during the third quarter.

Temple did not emerge completely healthy. Starting linemen Kevin Terry and Giakoby Hills exited during the game, while Brown, safety Avery Powell, and guard Eric King did not play.

The victory improved Temple to 12-0 all-time against Rhode Island and gave the Owls consecutive season-opening wins for the first time since 2014-15.

The Owls will now prepare for their first major test of the season when No. 18 Penn State visits Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 12. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.