Last year, UTSA pulled off a big win against Memphis, which turned out to be one of their most exciting games of the season. After accumulating 5 losses, UTSA was predicted to lose. But to everyone’s surprise, the Roadrunners beat the Tigers 44–36 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. QB Owen McCown threw 4 touchdowns and passed for a record 280 yards, along with 28 rushing yards. At the time, it felt like a solid team effort and a well-deserved victory. But months later, that game was back in the spotlight, making headlines with whispers of a leaked game plan and behind-the-scenes controversy.
The center of controversy revolves around a leaked direct conversation between former Memphis defensive back Tahj Ra-El and UTSA QB Owen McCown. According to a report by TigerSportsReport, the exchange took place before kickoff, which raised eyebrows across the college football world. The messages suggested that Ra-El had shared the Tigers’ playbook before the game.
In a recent post on X, college football insider Brett McMurphy, of on3, reported that AAC Commissioner Tim Pernetti is well aware of the situation and isn’t exactly hitting the panic button. “I’m aware of the situation. I’ve had very open dialogue with Coach Traylor and Coach Silverfield about it,” Pernetti said. “They’re going to address it. There’s not really much to this story. I think a lot of it has been sensationalized and is much ado about nothing.” His report suggests that, at least for now, the conference isn’t planning any formal action.
American’s Tim Pernetti on report about direct messages b/w Memphis & UTSA players: “I’m aware of the situation. I’ve had very open dialogue w/Coach Traylor & Coach Silverfield about it. They’re going to address it. There’s not really much to this story. I think a lot of it has…
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 25, 2025
UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor was quick to make one thing clear, that he had no idea any of it was happening. Speaking to The Commercial Appeal’s Jonah Dylan, Traylor said he was unaware that quarterback Owen McCown allegedly received direct messages from Ra-El before the game. “I think it had no bearing on the game whatsoever,” Traylor said. “I didn’t know anything about it. (McCown) didn’t tell me anything about it.” For Traylor, the focus seems to be less on the chatter and more on moving forward.
As the noise surrounding the screenshots grew louder, Purdue, which is Tahj Ra-El’s new home, defended him in a measured response. In a statement, a university official said, “Our coaching staff sees the scenario as being mischaracterized and does not have any concerns moving forward.” Ra-El entered the transfer portal back on October 9. After three seasons at Old Dominion and a short stint at Memphis during the 2024 campaign, he made the move to Purdue during the winter transfer window.
Memphis controversy deepens amid leaked playbook and Big 12 rejection
Recently, on3sports posted screenshots of the alleged messages that hit social media. In one, Tahj Ra-El appears to offer insider info, saying, “Far left is coverages. I’ll send you better list showing you the call. But they run qtrs n none of they safeties can cover btw. No reroutes on the slot. The field safety is the weakest link in the defense. His hamstring hurting, but he running out of eligibility, so when you play him he number 0.” The tone is casual, as if he’s just helping out an old friend. McCown has played high school ball with Ra-El at Myers Park in Charlotte. To his messages, McCown replied, “Bet, but lmk if they cut your stuff. I’ll put in a word.” This exchange has stirred up intense debate online, with one fan posting, “Idk what’s worse, throwing your team under the bus or willingly cheating to win lmao.”
While UTSA’s Jeff Traylor says he knew nothing about the messages, a Memphis player wasn’t so sure. “We’re on the field, and their offense has a check for every single one of our defenses’ checks,” the player told TigerSportsReport, suggesting something felt off during the game. Even Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield admits he’d heard the rumors, not before the game, but after. “Like with anything, we’ll never make excuses. It is what it is. It’s in the past,” Silverfield said. “I haven’t really given it any thought since we heard the rumors of it shortly after the game.” Still, the screenshots and the swirl of what-ifs have made it tough for fans and players to move on quite so easily.
Brett McMurphy, in a post on 21 July, revealed that the Big 12 is “not interested” in adding Memphis even after the school reportedly offered $250 million in sponsorship to the league. After screenshots of the controversial player conversation circulated online, a fan reignited the debate over Memphis’ conference future by sharing a post from David Smoak, which bluntly stated: “Why no? Unfortunately the reputation of the athletic department every time they win big it is followed by an NCAA investigation, not to mention ongoing NCAA investigations over past 3-4 years.” All in all, the Big 12 door seems firmly shut for Memphis.
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