Barstool Sports founder and new Fox Sports personality Dave Portnoy is accusing Ohio State University of banning him from Ohio Stadium ahead of the Buckeyes’ much-hyped season opener against Texas, calling the university “soft” and taking particular aim at head coach Ryan Day and the school’s handling of the situation.
Portnoy, known for his unapologetic style and deep ties to college football, was set to appear as part of Fox’s Big Noon Saturday broadcast team. But according to Portnoy, Ohio State quietly moved to block him from appearing inside the stadium, as well as from filming his OutKick show on campus — a decision he says cost him and his team thousands in travel and venue cancellation fees.
Ohio State Denies Ban, Points Finger at Fox
After initial reports broke that Portnoy had been banned, Ohio State officials denied any involvement. Athletic Director Ross Bjork instead claimed the decision came from Fox Sports, which allegedly removed Portnoy from the lineup — which automatically meant he wouldn’t be credentialed for field access at Ohio Stadium.
But Portnoy isn’t buying it.
Portnoy: “Ohio State Is Scared of Michigan”
In a scathing video posted Tuesday, Portnoy accused Ohio State of lying and blamed the decision on his outspoken loyalty to Michigan, the Buckeyes’ bitter archrival. “They banned me. They banned our show. They just don’t want me there because they’re soft and scared of Michigan,” Portnoy said.
“When one team beats your f***ing face in for an entire decade… you do crazy things,” he added. “They ban me from coming to the stadium. They ban our show from being on campus. And I feel bad that Fox is in the middle of it.”
The Barstool president also slammed Ohio State’s apparent unwillingness to own up to the decision: “Just own what you do. Don’t hide. Don’t point the finger. You’re scared of Michigan — and the only way you guys are going to compete with us again is to look yourselves in the mirror and be honest.”
Legacy of Rivalry, Or Unprofessional Behavior?
While Ohio State has remained publicly silent on the motivation behind the alleged ban, many observers view the controversy as petty — and possibly unprofessional. Portnoy, for all his bluster, is now an accredited member of a national sports network. If the university truly blocked his participation due to his Michigan fandom, critics say it sends a troubling message about college sports media.
Portnoy and Fox Move On — But Questions Remain
For now, Portnoy says he’ll continue his work with Fox, but he’s clearly frustrated by what he sees as a targeted, dishonest effort to push him off one of college football’s biggest stages.
“I always try to do right by our partners,” he said. “Fox didn’t deserve to be put in this position — but I won’t let this slide quietly either.”
Whether Ohio State admits to a ban or not, the episode has already become a PR headache for a university now being accused of letting rivalries dictate media access.