Dave Portnoy Removed From Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” Appearances
Indiadailyupdate.com – Barstool’s Dave Portnoy pulled from Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” appearances will no longer be part of the network’s college football pregame coverage. A person familiar with the decision said the move had not been publicly announced.
Fox Sports declined to comment on the change. Ohio State also directed questions about Portnoy’s status to Fox Sports.
Portnoy Blames Ohio State and Ryan Day
Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, said Ohio State and football coach Ryan Day were responsible for the end of his role. In a social-media post, he said the pressure surrounding his involvement made the partnership less worthwhile for Fox.
“Juice wasn’t worth the squeeze and frankly I don’t blame them. Huge dollars at stake and you have Cryin Ryan throwing temper tantrums and making threats every few days on something I said,” Portnoy said.
Barstool’s Dave Portnoy pulled from the show follows a short-lived on-air arrangement between Fox Sports and Barstool Sports. Portnoy began appearing on “Big Noon Kickoff” last fall after the companies announced their partnership.
Fox’s Big Ten Investment Adds Context
“Big Noon Kickoff” is a key part of Fox’s Saturday college football programming, regularly broadcasting from major games around the country. Its established panel includes host Rob Stone and analysts Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart, Mark Ingram and Chris “The Bear” Fallica.
Fox has substantial business ties to the Big Ten. The network is the largest payer in the conference’s seven-year media agreement, which also includes NBC and CBS, and Fox owns 61% of the Big Ten Network.
Those relationships make access to Big Ten campuses and stadiums important to the network’s football coverage. The decision involving Portnoy does not change Fox’s college football schedule or its Big Ten media rights.
Michigan-Aligned Portnoy Has Long Criticized Ohio State
Portnoy graduated from Michigan, and his criticism of Ohio State has been a familiar part of his public sports commentary. The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of college football’s most prominent, and his remarks about the Buckeyes have frequently drawn attention.
Last year, Portnoy said Ohio State prevented him from entering Ohio Stadium before the Buckeyes’ season-opening game against Texas. The earlier dispute became relevant again as Fox considered Barstool Sports’ role in its coverage.
Ohio State said that Fox’s planning discussions only called for members of the network’s main desk crew to enter the stadium. Portnoy was not included in that group.
What the Decision Means for Viewers
“Big Noon Kickoff” will continue with its regular host and analyst lineup. The immediate change is that Portnoy and Barstool Sports will no longer appear in Fox’s pregame-show format.
For viewers, the show remains centered on major noon matchups, former players and college football analysis. Barstool’s Dave Portnoy pulled from the program ends his brief presence in a traditional network pregame setting.
Fox Sports has not provided a public explanation for the decision, and Ohio State has not offered further details. Portnoy has maintained that his conflict with Ohio State and Day played a central role in the outcome.
FAQ: Dave Portnoy and “Big Noon Kickoff”
Is Dave Portnoy still appearing on “Big Noon Kickoff”? No. Portnoy and Barstool Sports will no longer appear on Fox’s college football pregame program.
Did Fox Sports explain why Portnoy was removed? Fox Sports declined to comment publicly on the decision.
Will Fox’s Big Ten football coverage change? No. The move affects Portnoy and Barstool Sports’ appearances, not Fox’s overall college football schedule or its Big Ten media-rights arrangement.
