Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy officially stepped into the Fox Sports spotlight on Saturday, joining the Big Noon Kickoff crew in Columbus ahead of the heavyweight matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State.
Portnoy makes his college football stance clear
The move marked his on-air debut with the network, and true to form, Portnoy wasted no time stirring the pot. A lifelong Michigan fan, he leaned into his Big Ten loyalty and delivered a blunt message about the conference rivalry that dominates every college football conversation.
Portnoy’s shot at the SEC
Portnoy had one clear target in his opening act: the Southeastern Conference.
“I’m sick of hearing about the SEC,” he said to the crowd. “Last year the Big Ten went 5-1 against SEC teams in the bowls, yet all you still hear is how it’s better down south. No. Midwestern football is where it’s at. We’ll take three yards up the middle, we’ll take a good punt in Iowa. The Big Ten is back on top.”
That comment didn’t come without context. While the SEC has produced six national champions since 2014, Michigan and Ohio State have delivered back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, giving Big Ten fans new ammo in the bragging rights battle.
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Picking Ohio State over Texas
Despite his history of trash talk aimed at the Buckeyes, Portnoy set aside his Michigan bias for Week 1. He predicted an Ohio State win over the top-ranked Longhorns, a bold call against the current national title co-favorite (+550 at ESPN BET).
“These people may be shocked, but I’m taking the Buckeyes today,” he added. “Cold weather, Midwestern, Big Ten football. Horns down.”
If his pick holds up, it would be a huge early-season statement for the Big Ten while dealing Texas a crushing blow right out of the gate. For Portnoy, it’s about more than just one game; it’s about proving that the Big Ten can stand toe-to-toe with the SEC.
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