Temple Lands First 2027 Commit
Tagged under: News, Pennsylvania Colleges, Temple
Mike Livingston | May 4, 2026
Temple football has received its first commitment of the 2027 class, as Pleasantville High School’s Ta’Kiesse Barnes verbally pledged to the Owls Monday afternoon.
Barnes, who stands 5’11”, 185 pounds, and hails from nearby Pleasantville, NJ, is listed at the athlete position, where he’s played numerous roles for the Greyhounds.
“What makes Ta’Kiesse special is his character,” said Pleasantville head coach and former Villanova defensive back Elijah Glover. “He is an outstanding athlete, but an even better person. He is the kind of kid for whom any positive characteristics apply. I mean, he’s charismatic, he’s disciplined, he works hard, he loves his teammates, he loves the grind and competition, he responds to adversity, and he is tough. His humbleness is something I believe stands out as well.”
Barnes, whose lone FBS offer was Temple, also had offers from Monmouth, New Haven, and Wofford, but ultimately chose the Owls and projects to be the only player on the Temple roster designated at the athlete position.
The incoming high school senior has yet to receive any star rating from On3 or 247Sports and spent his last three seasons playing at running back, wide receiver, and free safety for Pleasantville.
Barnes will have the luxury of being able to play a utility role for K.C. Keeler upon his arrival to North Broad St., assuming Keeler and his staff don’t see fit to settle him into a permanent position.
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