How should I help my friend who is getting bullied.

[Jimbo1337]

This is actually quite simple to resolve and there are different options.
The 1st option of ignoring them and not stooping to their level is probably the worst thing to do at this point. For starters, ignoring them and not fighting back hasn't caused these bullies to leave him alone, so why would that work now? Waiting until this passes and going to college is also not the solution. What if he commits suicide between this time and now? Action needs to be taken this very moment. Not in a week or a month, but now.

Right now, you friend is seen as prey and they are the hunters. When an animal spots his prey, they want to minimize injury to themselves at all costs. If there is resistance, then the hunter will go elsewhere and leave that prey alone. But I understand that your friend cannot stand up for himself, especially against a crowd of these people. This is where you or any of his other friends NEED to step in and stand up against these bullies collectively. If you can single one of these guys out as a group, then you will win the battle for that time and they will slowly stop bullying your friend.

Status also plays a huge role in this as well. Clearly your friend is seen as a the kid who gets picked on at his school. Having someone popular stand up to these bullies will also prevent these bullies from bothering your friend. The higher the status of you or your friends the better. By simply standing up for your friend will prevent your friend from committing suicide. 

I hope this helps.