James Paessler is a safety for Temple competing at the FBS level. The Newtown, PA native played safety, wide receiver, and running back at Council Rock North, where he recorded two interceptions and 54 tackles as a junior, then added 62 tackles and one interception as a senior. Paessler began his college career at Ursinus in 2023 before joining Temple as a walk-on in summer 2024. He earned defensive practice player of the week recognition at Charlotte during the 2025 season and was selected to the President's Honor Roll and Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society. His brother Jack also plays football at Temple.