Why Dave Portnoy is banned from Ohio State stadium for Fox Big Noon Kickoff debut

Dave Portnoy, the 48-year-old founder of Barstool Sports, has been banned from Ohio Stadium just days before his TV debut on Fox. Portnoy is set to appear on Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff this Saturday, August 31, 2025, when Texas faces Ohio State in Columbus.

But even though Portnoy is part of Fox’s new football coverage team, Ohio State has ruled he cannot enter the stadium. The ban comes because Portnoy is a loud and proud Michigan alum, and Michigan is Ohio State’s biggest rival.

Dave Portnoy blocked from Ohio Stadium for Big Noon Kickoff

The news broke this week that Dave Portnoy will not be allowed inside Ohio Stadium in Columbus when Fox goes live before the Week 1 matchup on Saturday. According to Front Office Sports, Ohio State has banned both Portnoy and Barstool Sports from all campus events.

Fox announced in July that Dave Portnoy would join its college football coverage as part of a bigger deal that also includes the streaming rights to The Barstool College Football Show. That show will air outside the stadium before the game, so Portnoy is still expected to appear on Fox’s pregame coverage even though he cannot step inside.Dan Katz, known as “Big Cat” and another Barstool Sports personality, criticized the decision on social media. He called the move by Ohio State “so so dumb.”

Fans online were quick to join the debate, with many pointing out how rare it is for a TV analyst to be kept out of a stadium during their first broadcast.Also Read: “Couldn’t give a f** less”: Joy Taylor blasts Jason Whitlock’s weight while addressing creepy peanut butter remark

Dave Portnoy responds to Ohio State ban and rivalry tensions

On Monday night, Dave Portnoy reacted to the ban with a sarcastic post on social media. He shared a picture of himself wearing sunglasses and a fake mustache, replying to the report with: “I love this f–king rivalry. One team has to win once in a while for it to be considered a rivalry.” His comment highlighted Michigan’s recent dominance over Ohio State.The rivalry turned heated last November when Michigan beat Ohio State 13-10 at the Big House in Ann Arbor. After the game, several Michigan players planted their flag on the Buckeyes’ field, which led to a physical confrontation. That win marked Michigan’s fourth straight victory in the storied matchup, raising tempers even more.For now, Dave Portnoy will still make his Fox TV debut outside the stadium before Saturday’s kickoff. But the decision by Ohio State makes his first appearance one of the most talked-about storylines going into Week 1 of the college football season.