The Temple Owls logo has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting both the athletic spirit of Temple University and the institution's journey from a modest night school to a prominent research university.

Early Logo Designs

The Temple Owls' nickname originated from the university’s mascot, the owl, which became synonymous with the school's identity. However, for much of its early history, the athletic logo did not feature an owl.

• 1964–1972: The logo featured a simple white “T” with an owl perched on its horizontal bar.
• 1972–1983: The owl was depicted in a cartoonish, illustrated style, with burgundy edges, but its design appeared clumsy despite its fierce look.

Modernizing the Brand

In 1983, the university adopted a more abstract and modern design.

• 1983–1996: The logo became more geometric, featuring a large stylized “T” formed from smaller “T’s” within a maroon rectangle. Beneath it was the text “Temple University,” indicating a shift towards a cleaner, more professional identity.
• 1996–2014: A major overhaul saw the return of the owl, this time in flight, paired with the wordmark “Temple Owls.” The owl symbolized the university’s strong athletic programs, which are part of a single athletic identity across all 19 teams.

Recent Updates

The most recent versions of the logo have retained the “T” as the primary emblem, reflecting the minimalist design trends of the 2000s and 2010s.

• 2014–2017: The owl’s red plumage was brightened, enhancing its visual appeal.
• 2017–2020: The logo shifted to feature just the owl's head, placed behind the wordmark “Temple Owls,” with the "Owls" text now in burgundy.
• 2020–Present: The logo returned to the iconic “T” design used in the 1980s and 1990s, but with a darker red hue, continuing the trend towards simplicity and refinement.

Temple Owls Colors

The Temple Owls use a distinct color palette that reflects the school's identity:

• Cherry Red (PMS 201 C): #9D2235
• Yellow (PMS 116 C): #FFCD00
• Metallic Silver (PMS 877 C): #8A8D8F
• Silver (PMS 428 C): #C1C6C8
• Black (PMS Black 6 C): #000000
• White: #FFFFFF

These colors contribute to the bold, dynamic, and recognizable brand identity of Temple University’s athletic teams.