USF vs. Temple: 2026 Game Day Guide, Kickoff Time, and How to Watch

Kickoff Info

USF returns home for the first time in two weeks when the Bulls host Temple on Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as USF opens the home portion of its American Conference schedule.

The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU. Bulls fans can also listen to the game on Q105 FM or through Bulls Unlimited on the USF Bulls App.

USF enters the game 4-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play after opening American Conference action with a 28-24 win at Army. Temple comes to Tampa at 1-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

**Date:** Saturday, October 3

**Kickoff:** 7:30 p.m. ET

**Location:** Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

**TV:** ESPNU

**Radio:** Q105 FM & Bulls Unlimited

Weather

Saturday's forecast in Tampa calls for temperatures around 81 degrees at kickoff with high humidity throughout the evening. There is also a chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday evening, so fans heading to Raymond James Stadium should be prepared for the possibility of rain during the game.

The Matchup

Saturday marks the 11th meeting between USF and Temple. The Owls hold a 6-4 advantage in the all-time series, but the Bulls have won four of the five meetings played in Tampa.

USF won the most recent matchup, taking a 27-23 decision over Temple in 2023.

Temple Owls

Temple enters Saturday's game at 1-3 after dropping three straight games following its season-opening win over Rhode Island.

The Owls opened the season with a 38-14 win before losses to Penn State, Toledo and Army. Temple has been productive on the ground, rushing for at least 176 yards in each of its first four games.

Temple is led by second-year head coach K.C. Keeler. The Owls finished 5-7 last season and 3-5 in American Conference play.

What to Watch For

USF enters the game unbeaten after a 14-6 win at Bowling Green last Saturday. The Bulls were held scoreless through the first three quarters before scoring twice in the fourth quarter to secure the road victory.

Running back D.J. Crowther was a major part of that fourth-quarter comeback, rushing for 143 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons. He has now topped 100 rushing yards in consecutive games.

Temple's rushing attack will also put pressure on the USF defense. The Owls have averaged more than 220 rushing yards per game through four games, making the matchup in the trenches an important part of Saturday night's game.

Coaches Thoughts

Brian Hartline

Brian Hartline knows Temple will bring a physical challenge to Raymond James Stadium. The USF head coach pointed to the way the Owls are coached, particularly their technique up front and ability to shed blocks and tackle.

"You can see how well these guys are coached," Hartline said.

The Bulls are also coming off a game where the offense struggled for much of the afternoon at Bowling Green. Hartline acknowledged that performance and said USF needs to clean things up quickly as conference play moves forward. Against Temple, he said the Bulls will need to be the tougher team on the field.

"We'll try to do a better job of being the tougher football team on that given day," Hartline said.

K.C. Keeler

Temple head coach K.C. Keeler brings the Owls to Tampa looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Temple's most recent loss came against Army, when the Black Knights scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:41 remaining.

Keeler sees Saturday's matchup with the unbeaten Bulls as an opportunity for his team to change its direction. He said the only way for Temple to move past its recent results is to get back on the field and beat a good opponent.

"The only thing that's going to get you right is getting out there and beating a good football team," Keeler said.

Keeler has also pointed to USF's athleticism and the challenges the Bulls present on both sides of the ball. That includes the balance of the USF offense and the running ability of quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., who has become an important part of the Bulls' offense.

Getting There

Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33607

The game kicks off at 7 p.m. ET. Fans should allow extra time for stadium entry and traffic around the stadium, particularly with the evening kickoff.

Go Bulls.