Temple University has unleashed a bold and contemporary update to its athletic branding with the unveiling of a brand new Owl logo. While the iconic “T” remains the university’s primary emblem, this secondary mark injects a fresh, fierce spirit, especially relevant for the Temple Owls Football Uniforms and broader athletic apparel. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a strategic move to resonate with today’s audiences and signal a new era for Temple Athletics.
The previous Owl logo, while recognizable, was rooted in the design trends of the 1990s. As Senior Associate Athletic Director Scott Walcoff aptly stated, “We wanted a modern logo because we’re not in the nineties anymore.” The world has evolved, North Philadelphia has evolved, and Temple Athletics has evolved. This new logo embodies that evolution, presenting a sleeker, more majestic Owl that’s ready for the challenges of modern college football and beyond. The clean, bold lines of the new Owl mark are a departure from the more cartoonish depiction of the past, aligning Temple with contemporary design aesthetics seen across major sports brands.
Arthur Johnson, vice president and director of athletics, emphasized the critical role of branding in today’s competitive sports landscape. “Marketing and branding—having a logo that is unique and identifiable—is extremely important for an athletic department,” he explained. For Temple Owls football uniforms, this new logo becomes a powerful symbol. It’s not just about looking good on the field; it’s about building a recognizable and respected national brand. When the Owls take to the gridiron, this new mark will boldly represent Temple on a national stage, enhancing team identity and fan engagement. The logo’s impact extends beyond the field, influencing how fans, alumni, students, and donors connect with the cherry and white.
The creation of this new Owl mark is itself a testament to the Temple Made spirit. Just as the iconic “T” logo was born from the creativity of Tyler School of Art and Architecture students, this new design also has deep roots within the university. Leading sports branding strategist Joe Bosack, a Temple alumnus, spearheaded the redesign, involving students in Associate Professor Bryan Satalino’s graphic design capstone course. This collaborative approach mirrors the origin of the “T” and ensures the new logo genuinely reflects the Temple community. Students actively participated in the design process, from initial sketches to focus group testing, ensuring the final product resonated with the Temple faithful.
The design itself is rich with symbolism. The diamond shape subtly incorporated into the logo is a nod to the famous “Acres of Diamonds” speech by Temple’s founder, Russell Conwell, representing the hidden potential within. Furthermore, the iconic Temple “T” is cleverly integrated, reinforcing the university’s enduring core identity within this fresh athletic mark. This thoughtful combination of heritage and modernity makes the logo deeply meaningful for the entire Temple community.
For fans of Temple Owls football uniforms, the introduction of this new logo is an exciting development. Expect to see this fierce new Owl emblazoned across helmets, jerseys, and sideline gear, bringing a contemporary edge to the team’s visual identity. Merchandise featuring the new logo is already available, allowing fans to proudly display their support for Temple Athletics and embrace this new chapter. This updated logo is more than just a design refresh; it’s a symbol of Temple’s ongoing evolution and a bold statement for Temple Owls football as they charge into a new era.
