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The Memphis football team is in the headlines for the wrong reasons following a controversy involving a former player. Tahj Ra-El is accused of leaking important information to an opponent before a game.
The defensive back is said to have sent the defensive playbook to UTSA quarterback Owen McCown. The Tigers would go on to lose the matchup, 44-36.
Ra-El was reportedly dismissed from the team in October of 2024. It was his debut season with the program after having spent three years at Old Dominion.
The defender played in four games at Memphis, making two starts. He’s since transferred to Purdue.
What did Tahj Ra-El say in the intel leak?
A screenshot floating around social media shows Ra-El allegedly sending defensive signals to Owen McCown. An online conversation reads as follows:
TR: “Here you go. That’s all the signals. Far left is coverages… Safety is the weakest link in the defense. His hamstring hurting, but he’s running out of eligibility so when you play him, he’s number 0.
OM: “Bet but lmk if they cut your stuff. I’ll put in a word.”
Kourtlan Marsh is the No. 0 that Ra-El mentioned. He battled injury last season, which ultimately kept him out of the UTSA game, but he did start over Ra-El when healthy.
Marsh played four games last year. He tallied 16 tackles, forced two fumbles, and recorded an interception. He’s now gearing up for his final season with the Tigers.
Kourtlan Marsh responded after catching a stray.
— Kourtlan Marsh (@KourtlanM) July 24, 2025
While most of the talk has surrounded Tahj Ra-El, Marsh took note after being thrown under the bus by his former teammate. He had the perfect reply.
He’ll look to nix the “weak link” narrative with a strong finish to his Memphis career. The safety should be a mainstay in the Tigers’ secondary this season.
That campaign will kick off on August 30th against Chattanooga.