Dave Portnoy-Ryan Day Feud: Why Barstool Was Dropped From Big Noon Kickoff

Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports are no longer part of Fox Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff, ending a partnership that put the outspoken Barstool founder and other personalities on Fox’s college football pregame show.

The Athletic first reported the decision, citing sources who said Fox struggled to balance the traditional Big Noon Kickoff format with the style Barstool is known for. Portnoy gave a different explanation on X, blaming Ohio State coach Ryan Day and the school. He claimed they repeatedly complained to Fox and pressured the network over his presence, making the arrangement hard to maintain.

Why was Barstool dropped from Big Noon Kickoff?

According to The Athletic, there was no single incident behind the move. Fox executives reportedly found it increasingly hard to blend the network’s more traditional college football show with Barstool’s approach.

Portnoy’s persona leans heavily on taunts and rivalries, which created particular complications around Ohio State. The Athletic reported that Portnoy, a Michigan alumnus and booster, had faced issues over his appearances at Ohio State home games. Reports last year claimed he was banned from the stadium, though Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork disputed them more than once.

Given Fox’s relationship with the Big Ten, Portnoy’s presence became a recurring issue, the report said. Sources told The Athletic the combination was ultimately seen as more trouble than it was worth.

What did Dave Portnoy say about Ryan Day?

Portnoy pushed back hard. After learning The Athletic was about to report the end of his Big Noon Kickoff role, he posted on X that Ohio State and Day had complained to the Big Ten and threatened Fox.

He alleged that Day had repeatedly objected to his comments and that Fox decided the conflict was not worth keeping. His post also included derogatory language aimed at the Ohio State coach.

When a social media user accused him of dodging responsibility, Portnoy replied that he did not blame Day for earlier professional disputes involving WEEI, ESPN or the NFL, but did hold him responsible for his removal from Big Noon Kickoff.

Ohio State has previously disputed claims that it interfered with Portnoy’s appearances. Fox Sports declined to comment on the reported decision.

How long were Barstool Sports and Fox partners?

Barstool had been part of Fox’s college football coverage for more than a year. Portnoy and fellow Barstool personality Dan “Big Cat” Katz joined Big Noon Kickoff to represent the fan perspective, as part of Fox’s wider push to expand its sports programming across platforms.

The relationship goes beyond the Saturday show. Barstool’s weekday program, Wake Up Barstool, still airs on FS1, so this is not a complete split between Fox and Barstool.

Why did Fox partner with Barstool in the first place?

The deal was partly seen as a response to how sports television is changing. Big Noon Kickoff was competing with ESPN’s College GameDay, where former NFL punter Pat McAfee had become a major draw. Barstool gave Fox access to an established digital audience and a style that differed from conventional sports broadcasting.

Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks had earlier praised Barstool’s approach as authentic and original, and pointed to its loyal audience as a fit for Fox’s multiplatform strategy. But that same approach, built on strong personalities, fan rivalries and provocative commentary, also brought challenges.

What happens to Barstool’s college football coverage?

Barstool is not leaving college football. Portnoy said in his X post that its coverage will continue, and suggested the company could still show up in Columbus despite the dispute with Ohio State.

Big Noon Kickoff, meanwhile, will carry on with its traditional desk of Urban Meyer, Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn, Mark Ingram II and host Rob Stone.

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