CHARLOTTE, N.C. — UTSA quarterback Owen McCown acknowledged July 25 that he received messages with elements of Memphis' playbook prior to the game between the two teams in 2024. At American Conference media days, coaches from both teams downplayed the impact of the messages.

UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor denied Friday that a former Memphis player sending elements of the team's playbook to quarterback Owen McCown played a role in UTSA beating the Tigers 44-38 last season.

UTSA quarterback Owen McCown downplayed any importance of the messages shared with him by ex-Memphis player Tahj Ra-El last season that included parts of the Tigers’ playbook. McCown told Sports Illustrated he didn’t share the information with teammates or coaches, and that the story, first reported by TigerSportsReport, has been mischaracterized.