MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former Memphis Tigers college football safety Tahj Ra-El faces allegations of leaking the team’s defensive playbook to UTSA quarterback Owen McCown before a November 2024 game, which UTSA won 44-36. Ra-El, now a Purdue Boilermaker, allegedly shared defensive signals and coverages, contributing to Memphis’ loss, according to a TigerSportsReport investigation published July 24, 2025.
The report cites direct messages between Ra-El and McCown, revealing detailed defensive strategies, including signals and planned coverages. Ra-El reportedly highlighted weaknesses, noting injured safety Kourtlan Marsh as the “weakest link” in Memphis’ defense. Marsh, who started over Ra-El when healthy, missed the UTSA game due to a hamstring injury. A former Memphis player told TigerSportsReport, “Their offense had a check for every single one of our defenses’ checks,” suggesting UTSA exploited the leaked information.
McCown threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions in the game, leading UTSA to a victory that dropped Memphis to 7-2. The loss cost the Tigers a chance at the American Athletic Conference Championship, as they finished the regular season 10-2 but missed the title game. Ra-El, who played four games for Memphis in 2024, recording 19 tackles and an interception, entered the transfer portal in October after his dismissal from the team, a detail TigerSportsReport clarified as a motive for the leak.
Ra-El committed to Purdue on December 24, 2024, joining the Boilermakers under new coach Barry Odom, formerly Memphis’ defensive backs coach. Purdue issued a statement on July 24, 2025, saying, “Our coaching staff sees the scenario as being mischaracterized and does not have any concerns moving forward.” Despite this, Ra-El’s status on Purdue’s 2025 roster remains unclear, with some sources noting his removal following the controversy’s publicity.
The allegations sparked outrage among college football fans. Social media posts called for Ra-El’s ban from the sport, with one fan stating, “He sabotaged them and then dipped for Purdue.” Another remarked, “IDK what’s worse, throwing your team under the bus or willingly cheating to win.” Ra-El declined to comment when contacted by TigerSportsReport.
Ra-El’s college career began at Old Dominion, where he amassed 133 tackles and one interception over three seasons. In 2023, he led FBS defensive backs with a 90.7 run defense grade, per Pro Football Focus. His transfer to Memphis in 2024 was brief, marked by his early departure and the subsequent allegations.
The scandal raises ethical questions about player conduct in the transfer portal era, with some arguing it underscores the risks of disgruntled athletes. UTSA, now preparing to face Texas A&M on August 30, faces scrutiny over whether they knowingly used the leaked information. The controversy continues to dominate discussions at AAC Media Days, leaving Ra-El’s future at Purdue uncertain as the 2025 season approaches.
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