Ohio State has barred Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy from entering Ohio Stadium for Saturday’s top-five matchup against Texas, according to Front Office Sports.
Portnoy will still appear on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff broadcast from campus. He won’t be allowed inside the stadium with the rest of the crew during the game.
“Ohio State is barring Barstool Sports from campus and its founder Dave Portnoy from entering Ohio Stadium for the school’s huge opening-week matchup against Texas on Saturday,” Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel reported. “Portnoy will still appear on Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff, but not for the end of the show inside the stadium, a source said.”
The decision comes as FOX brings its marquee pregame show to Columbus for the clash between top-ranked Texas and No. 3 Ohio State.
Portnoy has been one of Ohio State’s most vocal critics over the years. The Michigan supporter has repeatedly taken shots at the Buckeyes on social media and through Barstool content.
It’s unclear whether Portnoy’s history with the program influenced the university’s decision.
The game represents one of college football’s biggest opening weekend matchups in recent memory. More than 100,000 fans are expected at the Horseshoe for the primetime showdown.
Big Noon Kickoff added Portnoy to its roster this season as part of FOX’s effort to bring more personality to the broadcast. The show will proceed as planned from campus, with Portnoy participating in segments outside the stadium.
