Quarterback Conundrum: Temple Owls head coach K.C. Keeler admitted surprise at the team’s QB situation heading into the 2025 season. In a statement this week, Keeler confessed, “I didn’t see it going down this way,” referring to the unexpected emergence of co-starters at the quarterback position. Seniors Evan Simon and Gevani McCoy have both impressed, leading to this unusual decision as the Owls prepare to face UMass.
Unexpected Co-Starters
The Owls enter the 2025 season with a unique approach: co-starting quarterbacks. This outcome wasn’t planned, but rather, it evolved from a month of intense competition between Evan Simon and Gevani McCoy. Both players demonstrated exceptional performance during the preseason, making it impossible for Keeler to choose a definitive QB1. The result is a shared responsibility as the Owls prepare for their season opener against UMass on Saturday afternoon, a game broadcast on ESPN+.
The Rise of McCoy
Gevani McCoy, a transfer from Texas State, significantly improved his standing within the team during the preseason. His performance in scrimmages on August 9 and August 16 particularly caught the coaching staff’s attention. McCoy threw for a total of five touchdowns across these scrimmages. While Keeler acknowledged that four of those touchdowns were against second and third-team defenses, McCoy’s overall performance was undeniable. This impressive showing forced Keeler and the coaching staff to re-evaluate their quarterback plans.
Simon’s Response
Evan Simon, already familiar with the Temple program, responded to McCoy’s challenge by elevating his own game. Simon’s existing knowledge of the team and offensive system was initially seen as an advantage. Coach Keeler noted that there was an initial thought that Simon might benefit from his familiarity with the offensive line. However, McCoy’s strong scrimmage performances leveled the playing field, leading to the co-starter designation.
Impact on the Team
The decision to name co-starters presents both opportunities and challenges for the team. While the lack of a clear QB1 might raise concerns, Coach Keeler emphasizes the team’s confidence in both Simon and McCoy. According to Keeler, there is “a strong belief in both those guys from the team,” suggesting a high level of trust in their ability to lead the offense. This shared confidence appears to have mitigated any potential controversy within the team, fostering a supportive and competitive environment.
McCoy’s Comfort Level
Gevani McCoy has expressed a high degree of comfort within offensive coordinator Tyler Walker’s system. McCoy described a “super-comfortable” fit, attributing it to his familiarity with the system developed during player workouts over the summer. This connection was further strengthened by their prior associations: McCoy played at Idaho, while Walker coached at Montana State. This pre-existing relationship and understanding of Walker’s offensive philosophy have allowed McCoy to quickly integrate into the Temple offense and compete for the starting role.
Game Day Decision
As the Owls prepare to face UMass, the question remains: how will the co-starter situation play out on the field? Coach Keeler has not yet revealed the specific plan for utilizing both quarterbacks during the game. It is possible that one quarterback will start and play the majority of the game, with the other entering in specific situations or if the starter struggles. Another possibility is a more even distribution of playing time, with both quarterbacks receiving opportunities to lead the offense. The coaching staff’s decision will likely depend on the flow of the game and the performance of each quarterback.
Looking Ahead: Quarterback Conundrum
The Temple Owls’ quarterback situation is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 season. The decision to name co-starters reflects the exceptional performance of both Evan Simon and Gevani McCoy during the preseason. While the lack of a clear QB1 might raise some eyebrows, Coach Keeler and the team express confidence in both players’ abilities. The Owls will face UMass on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. EDT, providing the first opportunity to see how this unique quarterback arrangement unfolds on the field. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
