Fox's Big Noon Kickoff will be in Columbus on Saturday for the highly anticipated matchup between Ohio State and Texas. But while the show features a new face this college football season, one of its personalities won't be allowed inside Ohio Stadium when the broadcast shifts from campus to the stadium.
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According to Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, Ohio State has barred Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy from entering the building. Portnoy, who recently joined Big Noon Kickoff, will appear during the campus portion of the show but not from the stadium once the broadcast team moves inside.
"Ohio State is barring Barstool Sports from campus and its founder Dave Portnoy from entering Ohio Stadium for the school's huge opening-week matchup against Texas on Saturday, sources told Front Office Sports," Glasspiegel reported.
The decision comes as little surprise given Portnoy's public allegiance to Ohio State's biggest rival. A Michigan graduate, Portnoy has been outspoken on social media about his devotion to the Wolverines, especially during their recent dominance in the rivalry. Michigan has won the last four meetings against Ohio State.
Portnoy has even been linked to Michigan's recruiting efforts. Last fall, he recounted a phone call from a prominent donor tied to Larry Ellison, the billionaire Oracle co-founder, to help land quarterback Bryce Underwood. Underwood, a five-star prospect, flipped from LSU to Michigan. Portnoy said he was directly involved in setting up a call with the player and his parents, calling it "count me in" once he heard the pitch.
"They said, 'Oh, her husband is a guy by the name of Larry Ellison. Have you ever heard of him?'" Portnoy joked on his podcast at the time.
While Ohio State and Michigan don't play until late November, the Buckeyes appear determined to keep Portnoy away from their home field this weekend.
It's an unusual move in the world of college football, where media personalities are rarely denied access to high-profile venues. Still, Portnoy's history with Barstool, his ties to Michigan, and his outspoken presence online were enough for Ohio State to make the call.
Portnoy will be part of Big Noon Kickoff Saturday morning. Just don't expect to see him inside Ohio Stadium when the broadcast signs off.
