Temple

Temple's offseason centered around addressing the trenches, headlined by the addition of Louisville transfer Ransom McDermott at offensive tackle. The Owls grade out 84th nationally at -3.1 points per game, with an offense that sits right at average (+0.0, 66th) but a defense that ranks 108th at -3.4 points. The portal brought significant turnover with 25 departures including receiver Xavier Irvin (5.3 PPA) and running back Terrez Worthy (3.6 PPA to Maryland), while 23 arrivals led by Penn State tight end Joey Schlaffer (2.7 PPA) aim to fill the gaps. Quarterback Evan Simon returns as the starter, providing stability at the position despite backup Tyler Douglas transferring out.

JP+ projects 6.6 wins for Temple, putting the over on a market total of 5.5 wins as a solid value play. The Owls face structural uncertainty with moderate offensive continuity concerns, particularly along an offensive line that lost significant experience, but their defensive unit returns largely intact. Home games against UAB, Charlotte, and Rhode Island offer winnable opportunities, while tests against Penn State, Navy on the road, and East Carolina away will determine Temple's ceiling. If McDermott and the revamped offensive line can protect Simon and create running lanes, the Owls have the pieces for a bowl-eligible season. If the line struggles early, another disappointing year looms in Philadelphia.