College Football Playbook Leak Alleged Between Memphis, UTSA Players

Tahj Ra-El, a former Memphis defensive back dismissed from the team in October, allegedly shared Memphis' defensive playbook and signals with UTSA quarterback Owen McCown prior to their November matchup, which UTSA won 44-36. McCown and UTSA coach Jeff Traylor have downplayed the incident, stating that the shared information was irrelevant, confusing, and never shared with the team or coaching staff, describing the situation as mischaracterized. Ra-El's texts included notes on defensive coverages and vulnerabilities, specifically targeting safety Kourtlan Marsh, who was injured and did not play in the game. Purdue, where Ra-El currently plays, issued a statement expressing no concerns and viewing the scenario as blown out of proportion. Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield and UTSA's Jeff Traylor have communicated and agreed to move past the controversy. The incident has sparked discussion about sportsmanship and ethics in college football, but all parties involved emphasize that the playbook leak did not affect the game's outcome.