Fox Pulls Dave Portnoy From Big Noon Kickoff Appearances

Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports will no longer appear on Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff college-football pregame show, according to an Associated Press source familiar with the decision. The change removes one of the show’s most polarizing outside personalities while leaving Barstool’s broader FS1 presence intact.

Portnoy says pressure from Ohio State and coach Ryan Day drove the decision, but Fox Sports has not publicly confirmed that explanation. Ohio State referred questions back to the network, making the personnel change clear while the reason remains disputed.

The Sports Consequence Is a National Pregame Show Without Portnoy

Portnoy began appearing on Big Noon Kickoff after Barstool and Fox announced a partnership. Removing those appearances changes the cast and the tone of a high-profile Saturday show rather than merely producing another round of social-media criticism.

His Ohio State Theory Is Still His Claim, Not Fox’s Explanation

Portnoy has repeatedly criticized Ohio State and is a Michigan graduate, giving the dispute an obvious rivalry angle. But AP’s reporting does not establish that Ryan Day or Ohio State ordered Fox to make the change.

Barstool’s Relationship With Fox Is Not Ending Altogether

The decision concerns Big Noon Kickoff appearances. Barstool still has programming on FS1, which makes this a targeted change in a sports-media partnership rather than a complete break between the companies.

The Open Question Is Whether Fox Ever Gives a Public Reason

The lineup consequence is already settled: Portnoy and Barstool are off the pregame show. What remains unresolved is whether Fox will eventually explain the decision or continue to let the competing accounts stand.

References: Barstool’s Dave Portnoy pulled from Fox’s ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ appearances, AP source says