Dave Portnoy’s debut on Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” got off to a wild start.
The Barstool Sports founder, and boisterous Michigan fan, spent the opening minute of his show debut trolling the Ohio State faithful in Columbus before the No. 3-ranked Buckeyes faced No. 1 Texas to open their season Saturday.
Portney, who entered during a smoke-filled introduction from host Rob Stone, sang the Michigan fight song, “Hail to the Victors”, while walking to the “Big Noon Kickoff” stage.
He was showered with boos as he handed out a few high-fives along the way.
“You are destroying our security budget,” Stone joked.
After making his way on stage, the trolling from Portoy continued in a WWE-like promo as he had to yell over the Ohio State fans about Michigan’s dominance of the rivalry the past three seasons – including a 13-10 win last year.
“Shut up! I want a five-second moment of silence for all you Ohio State morons who have been saying, ‘Here comes the hammer. Michigan’s getting the death penalty (for sign stealing),” Portnoy said, with former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer egging on the crowd. “We’re going to have to vacate (our 2024 national championship ). Shut up! Moment of silence.”
Portnoy, who is joining the show as part of Fox Sports’ new collaboration with Barstool, later said he wasn’t there to troll the fans and that they were being “so rude” before revealing he was wearing a maize and blue shirt that read, “*Still can’t beat Michigan” under his Big Ten hoodie.
“That national title you have means nothing to every single one of you,” Portnoy said.
“I’m not here to troll you. I’m here to root for the Big Ten and it goes through Ann Arbor and until you can beat us, it will always go through Ann Arbor.”
In a tongue-in-cheek olive branch gesture in the next segment, Meyer gifted Portnoy an Ohio State jersey with “El Presidente” on the back.
Portnoy appeared to appreciate the gesture, but would not put it on despite the fans chanting for it and got one last dig in on the Buckeyes.
“I just got a new house that needs some new toilet paper, so this will fit perfect in the bathroom,” Portney said. “Thank you, coach, very hospitable … Columbus has great people. Lot of love. Bad football team.”
Front Office Sports reported Portnoy had been banned from entering Ohio Stadium but the school, but athletic director Ross Bjork pushed back saying he was not banned but that Portnoy was just not part of “Big Noon Kickoff’s” main desk crew that would broadcast inside the stadium after the game.