Temple defensive lineman Darian Varner has entered the transfer portal

Temple defensive lineman Darian Varner has entered the transfer portal, a source confirmed to The Inquirer.

Varner’s decision to leave the program was first reported by recruiting expert Mike Farrell.

Varner racked up 7½ sacks and 12½ tackles for losses as a sophomore, earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors this season. He also finished with a career-high 3½ sacks against Tulsa on Oct. 21.

In two seasons at Temple, Varner produced 57 tackles, 19½ tackles for losses, and 10½ sacks.

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This summer, Varner earned a single-digit jersey, a distinction handed out to players considered “Temple Tuff.” He was named one of five captains this fall alongside Xach Gill, Adam Klein, Jordan Magee, and David Martin-Robinson.

Varner, who lost 30 pounds this offseason and transformed his game, will be a significant loss from the defensive line room. His sack total ranked second on the team behind outside linebacker Layton Jordan, who finished with nine. Jordan played four seasons at Temple and could declare for the NFL draft.

Varner emerged as one of the best pass rushers in the AAC and was considered a building block. Temple will need to replace his production and leadership skills this offseason.