Why Dave Portnoy and Fox Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff are ending partnership? Barstool Sports founder taunts Ryan Day after decision
Why Dave Portnoy and Fox Sports Ended Their Big Noon Kickoff Partnership
Indiadailyupdate.com – Why Dave Portnoy and Fox Sports are parting ways has become a major college football talking point. Portnoy and several Barstool Sports personalities will no longer appear on Fox Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff, ending a partnership that brought Barstool’s outspoken style to one of the sport’s biggest weekly pregame shows.
Portnoy, a Michigan alumnus, had appeared on the program with Barstool personalities including Dan “Big Cat” Katz for more than a year. The arrangement combined traditional network coverage with Barstool’s more confrontational, fan-driven approach to college football.
Why Dave Portnoy and Fox Sports Split
The separation followed growing tension around Portnoy’s role in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. His social-media posts, public appearances and frequent taunts directed at Ohio State and coach Ryan Day have made him a prominent—and polarizing—voice in the sport.
Portnoy’s presence at Ohio State home games had also become contentious. He was linked to earlier reports that he had been barred from the stadium last year. As a Michigan supporter and booster, he has regularly embraced the rivalry’s most intense moments online.
For Fox Sports, the decision involved broader relationships across the Big Ten. The network’s conference partnership requires it to work closely with schools, programs and fans throughout the league, making Barstool’s intentionally provocative brand a complicated fit for its pregame coverage.
The end of the partnership does not mean Barstool Sports is stepping away from college football. It means Portnoy and his colleagues will no longer be part of Fox’s official Big Noon Kickoff production.
Portnoy Targets Ryan Day After the Decision
Portnoy reacted strongly on X after learning that his association with the Fox program was ending. He said Ohio State and Ryan Day had pressured the Big Ten and Fox into making the move.
“Just was told @AndrewMarchand is about to release an article saying I’ve been put on ice for @BNKonFOX I havent seen the article yet and he didnt call me for a quote but i can sum it up this way.”
He then directed his criticism at Day, alleging that the Ohio State coach had objected to his comments and influence around the program.
“Ohio State and Ryan Day bi**hed and moaned to the Big 10 and threatened Fox till they had no choice. Juice wasnt worth the squeeze amd frankly I dont blame them. Huge dollars at stake and you have Cryin Ryan throwing temper tantrums amd making threats every few days on something I said. I always knew Ryan Day was soft but holy sh*t even I didnt realize he was this soft.”
Those comments reflected the same combative persona that made Portnoy a notable addition to college football television. While that style can appeal to fans who enjoy rivalry-based banter, it can also create challenges for a network managing major conference relationships.
Barstool Will Continue Its College Football Coverage
Despite the Fox split, Portnoy said Barstool’s college football coverage will continue. The company has built a large audience through podcasts, social media and live-event programming, and its football content is expected to remain independent of Fox.
“The Barstool College Football will continue on. Maybe we’ll even see you in Columbus where contrary to popular belief most fans love the rivalry and arent p***ies like Cryin Ryan.”
Why Dave Portnoy and Fox Sports ended the relationship ultimately comes down to the difficult balance between entertainment, passionate fandom and broadcast partnerships. Fox will continue Big Noon Kickoff without one of its most divisive contributors, while Barstool retains its own distinct voice in college football media.
FAQ
Is Dave Portnoy leaving college football coverage?
No. Portnoy is leaving Fox Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff, but Barstool Sports plans to continue covering college football through its own platforms.
Will Big Noon Kickoff still air?
Yes. Fox Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff will continue its college football pregame coverage without Portnoy and the Barstool personalities involved in the former partnership.
What did Portnoy say about Ryan Day?
Portnoy claimed that Ryan Day and Ohio State had pushed the Big Ten and Fox Sports toward ending his involvement with the show.