College football is basically a soap opera with more padding and louder shouting. If you follow the Big Ten at all, you already know that the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State is less of a game and more of a blood feud. It’s the kind of thing where people refuse to use the letter "M" for a whole week in November. So, when news broke about Ohio State banning Dave Portnoy from the stadium during the 2025 season opener against Texas, the internet absolutely lost its mind.
The "El Presidente" of Barstool Sports is never quiet. He’s a Michigan alum, a massive donor to the Wolverines' NIL efforts, and arguably the most vocal troll in the history of the sport. Naturally, the idea that he’d be barred from "The Shoe" felt like the ultimate petty move by the Buckeyes. But as with everything in college football, the reality is a lot messier than a simple "get out and stay out" sign.
The Viral Report: Was Dave Portnoy Actually Banned?
It all started when Front Office Sports dropped a report claiming that Ohio State was barring Portnoy from entering Ohio Stadium. This was supposed to be his big debut for Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff. Everyone assumed the Buckeyes were just tired of his Michigan-biased antics. After all, Michigan had won four straight against Ohio State at that point. Portnoy leaned into the chaos immediately, posting a six-minute video on X (formerly Twitter) basically calling the university "soft."
He claimed that not only was he banned, but the entire Barstool College Football Show was prevented from broadcasting on campus. He didn't hold back. "Just own what you do," Portnoy said in the video, essentially telling Ohio State to admit they were "hateful" against Michigan fans. Honestly, it was a classic Portnoy move—taking a spark of news and pouring a whole tank of gasoline on it.
Ohio State’s Side: "It’s Not Us, It’s Fox"
Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork didn't let the narrative sit for long. He told Yahoo Sports that the school never issued a formal ban. According to the university, the decision came down to logistics and a decision made by Fox Sports.
Here’s the deal: Big Noon Kickoff usually has two parts. There’s the big outdoor set where the crowd goes wild, and then there’s the "main desk" inside the stadium for the final hour and halftime. Ohio State’s argument was that Portnoy wasn't technically part of that "main desk" crew—which includes guys like Urban Meyer, Matt Leinart, and Brady Quinn. Since he wasn't on the main desk, he wasn't supposed to be on the field or in the stadium during the broadcast.
The Big Ten even chimed in, saying their understanding from Fox was that Portnoy wouldn't appear on the main stage inside any conference school’s stadium that year.
- The "Ban" Claim: Portnoy says Ohio State blocked him to protect their feelings.
- The "Logistic" Claim: OSU says he just wasn't invited to the inner circle by the network.
- The Reality: It’s probably somewhere in the middle.
Networks and schools coordinate these things weeks in advance. If a school really doesn't want someone there, they have ways of making it "logistically impossible."
The Ryan Day Factor and the "Soft" Narrative
Portnoy didn't just attack the administration; he went straight for head coach Ryan Day. This is where the Ohio State banning Dave Portnoy story gets really personal. Portnoy has spent years calling Day "soft" and claiming that the Michigan dominance has "broken" the Buckeyes' program.
During the game day in Columbus, even though he wasn't in the stadium, Portnoy was still outside doing his thing. He showed up in a disguise—a classic "I'm totally not Dave Portnoy" mustache and a "I Love Ryan Day" hat. It was pure theater. He told the crowd that the only reason he wasn't allowed in "The Shoe" was because the program couldn't handle the truth about their rivalry.
Whether the ban was real or just a "communication breakdown," it served Portnoy’s brand perfectly. He thrives on being the outsider. He wants to be the guy the "establishment" is afraid of. By the time the game kicked off, half of social media was talking about his exclusion rather than the actual top-three matchup between Texas and Ohio State.
Why This Matters for College Football Media
This whole kerfuffle highlights a massive shift in how we watch sports. You’ve got traditional networks like Fox trying to bridge the gap between "professional" broadcasting and the "unfiltered" world of Barstool.
Fox hired Portnoy because they wanted the eyeballs he brings. He’s a walking engagement machine. But when you bring a professional troll into a stadium filled with 100,000 people who genuinely hate him, things get complicated. Ohio State is a business. They want to protect their "gameday experience" and their coaching staff from unnecessary distractions.
There’s also the NIL angle. Portnoy is heavily involved in funding Michigan’s roster. Think about that for a second. You have a guy who is actively helping your biggest rival recruit players, and now he wants a VIP pass to your sidelines? You can see why the Buckeyes might not be rolling out the red carpet.
Misconceptions You Should Probably Clear Up
People love a good conspiracy theory. Some fans believe Portnoy was banned because of his past controversies or legal battles. While those things are always in the background, this specific incident was almost entirely about the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.
Another common myth is that he was physically removed from the premises. He wasn't. He was still on the Big Noon Kickoff set outside the stadium. He just couldn't follow the crew inside when the gates opened. It’s like being invited to the pre-game party but being told you’re not on the list for the actual wedding.
What’s Next for Barstool and the Big Ten?
If you think this is the end of the drama, you haven't been paying attention. Portnoy isn't going to stop showing up at Big Ten campuses. If anything, the Ohio State banning Dave Portnoy saga proved that the "ban" (or whatever it was) only makes him more relevant.
For fans, this means gameday is going to keep getting noisier. You’ll have College GameDay on one side of the street and Big Noon with Portnoy on the other. It’s a battle for the soul of college football fandom.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're heading to a big game where Barstool or Fox is set up, keep these things in mind:
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- Expect heavy security. These media battles aren't just for show; the crowds can get rowdy when rivalries are involved.
- Watch the "Big Noon" intro. Fox usually handles the Portnoy segments in the first hour to avoid the stadium restrictions.
- Don't believe everything on X. Both sides (Portnoy and the Universities) have a vested interest in framing the story to make themselves look like the winner.
The Buckeyes might have kept him out of the building for one Saturday, but in the world of content, Dave Portnoy usually finds a way in. He’s already teased more appearances at other Big Ten venues, and you can bet he’ll be wearing a Michigan hat every single time.
To stay ahead of the next controversy, keep an eye on official university athletic department statements and the Fox Sports broadcast schedule. These "bans" often turn out to be temporary or specific to certain high-stakes games where tensions are at a breaking point. Check the local Columbus news outlets for any updated campus access policies if you're planning to attend a Barstool-hosted event in the future.