Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, generated significant anticipation as he made his debut on the ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ show ahead of the Ohio State vs. Texas matchup on Saturday. Portnoy, a long-time Michigan Wolverines fan, claimed he had been banned from Ohio Stadium, a claim that ignited speculation about his intense loyalty to the maize and blue. However, Ohio State quickly addressed the controversy, clarifying that Portnoy was not banned and was not part of the FOX crew invited into the stadium. The network’s coverage of the match was handled by its main desk crew, which had exclusive access to the venue.
Portnoy made his appearance on ‘Fox and Friends’ outside Ohio Stadium while sporting a disguise, including a fake mustache and an ‘I Love Ryan Day’ hat. He joked with Fox News Channel’s Will Cain, claiming that he had been banned by coach Ryan Day for his relentless support of Michigan, which he said had caused significant tension within Ohio Nation. While Portnoy’s claim seemed to be a dramatization of his fandom, it underscored the intense rivalry between the Wolverines and the Buckeyes. The event marked the beginning of the 2025 college football season, with No. 1 Texas poised to take on national champion No. 3 Ohio State at noon ET on FOX.
The appearance was part of FOX Sports’ significant partnership with Barstool Sports, which has already attracted other personalities from the barstool brand to join the network’s coverage. This collaboration signifies a broader push by FOX Sports to attract a younger, more engaged audience through the unique style and approach of Barstool Sports. The game itself is expected to be a highly anticipated matchup, with Texas looking to start the season on a strong note by defeating the defending national champion Buckeyes. The stakes are high for both teams, with the game set to be a major story in the upcoming college football season.