Big Noon Kickoff is heading to Columbus for a big game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. However, one prominent figure won’t be allowed to enter the stadium: Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports.
According to Ryan Glasspiegel from Front Office Sports, Ohio State has barred Portnoy from Ohio Stadium, even though he will still be part of the kickoff show earlier in the day. While other hosts like Rob Stone and Urban Meyer get ready inside, Portnoy must stay outside.
Ohio State’s decision stems from Portnoy’s vocal support for the Wolverines, Ohio State’s biggest rivals. As an alum of the University of Michigan, he frequently tweets about the rivalry, especially since Michigan has won the last four games against Ohio State.
Interestingly, Portnoy played a role in recruiting Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Bryce Underwood to Michigan. He collaborated with Jolin Ellison, wife of tech mogul Larry Ellison, to convince Underwood to switch from LSU to Michigan. Portnoy shared that he received a call from Michigan’s football team asking for his help. He humorously noted that he was eager to chat once he learned who Jolin’s husband was.
This is quite the unusual situation in college football. While rivalries exist everywhere, having a school outright bar a media figure is rare. It raises questions about how universities engage with media personalities and the impact of social media on sports culture.
In recent polls, many college football fans still view these rivalries as essential to the sport. A survey by the NCAA revealed that nearly 75% of fans believe rivalries enhance the game day experience. Ohio State’s decision to keep Portnoy out shows how seriously they take their traditions and rivalries.
Whether you cheer for Ohio State, Michigan, or somewhere in between, this rivalry continues to be a major part of college football culture. It’s more than just a game; it’s about pride, tradition, and the passionate fans that make it all worthwhile.
For more details on college football rivalries, you can check out this NCAA article.
