Temple Football Practice Notebook – 8/24

Tagged under: Pennsylvania Colleges, Temple

Mike Livingston | August 24, 2026

Monday marked the first day of classes at Temple University, but for the Owls, the football season is quickly becoming the main focus. With 12 days until Temple opens its season against Rhode Island, the Owls began a simulated game week Monday, bringing a different structure to practice while maintaining the intensity that has defined fall camp.

Offensive Highlights

Offensive coordinator Tyler Walker spoke with media members following practice and expressed his satisfaction with the offense’s progress. The quarterback room continues to improve as the Owls prepare for their Week 1 matchup.

Ajani Sheppard provided two of the day’s more notable plays. Early in practice, Sheppard connected with running back Keveun Mason on a wheel route for roughly 25 yards. Mason created separation toward the boundary and made the catch before falling to the ground.

Later, during a red-zone period, Sheppard found sophomore wide receiver Zander Baptiste for a touchdown. Rolling to his left, Sheppard located Baptiste mirroring the play in the back of the end zone and delivered a perfectly placed pass for the score.

Defensive Highlights

The defensive line continues to be one of Temple’s deepest position groups. With many of its players together since January, the unit has developed familiarity with the playbook and each other.

Cameron Jones showed why he remains one of the group’s most physically imposing players. During a team period, Jones overwhelmed his blocker and drove the offensive lineman backward into the quarterback’s path, forcing the quarterback to scramble for a minimal gain.