Who is Dave Portnoy?
Dave Portnoy is a media entrepreneur, internet personality, and the founder of Barstool Sports — a digital sports and pop-culture company launched in 2004.
Over the years, Portnoy has diversified far beyond the original Barstool blog: he gained fame for his viral “One Bite” pizza-review series, attempted stock-market trading under the moniker “Davey Day Trader,” and built a loud, outspoken public persona.
Big Noon Kickoff & College Football Entrance
What is “Big Noon Kickoff”?
Big Noon Kickoff is a college-football pre-game studio show broadcast by Fox Sports (and sometimes simulcast on FS1). First aired in 2019, the show serves as the pre-game show for Fox’s “Big Noon Saturday” college-football window — with commentary, analysis, and hype ahead of major college games.
Its panel includes former players and coaches, and — as of 2025 — now features Dave Portnoy among its regulars.
Portnoy’s Entry and the Fan Reaction
In July 2025, Fox Sports announced a wide-ranging collaboration with Barstool Sports. As part of this deal, Portnoy would join Big Noon Kickoff and also host a new daily Barstool-themed show on FS1.
His debut came on August 30, 2025, in Columbus — right before the high-profile college game between Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns. Predictably, as a devoted alumnus and supporter of Michigan Wolverines, Portnoy received a chorus of boos from the Ohio State crowd. Moments after taking the stage, he pulled off a Big Ten hoodie to reveal a Michigan T-shirt boldly declaring: “Still Can’t Beat Michigan.”
Unfazed by the backlash, Portnoy leaned into the controversy — trash-talking rivals and rooting hard for his team. Many saw his entrance as intentionally provocative, arguably the “ultimate heel” move for a college-football pre-show.
Why Fox Brought Him On
Portnoy’s addition appears to be part of a larger strategy by Fox to retool its college-football coverage. With traditional pre-game shows facing criticism for being too polished or “corporate,” Fox hopes that Barstool’s edgy, personality-driven approach will attract younger, digital-native fans. In this sense, Portnoy serves as a contrast — and a potential antidote — to the staid broadcast-studio vibe.
Essentially, with Portnoy aboard, Big Noon Kickoff now straddles the line between serious sports analysis and irreverent, fan-driven commentary.
Net Worth: How Rich is Dave Portnoy?
As of 2025, multiple credible sources estimate Dave Portnoy’s net worth to be around US $150 million.
Main Income & Asset Streams
-
Barstool Sports: The primary asset — Portnoy owns 100% of Barstool (he repurchased it in August 2023 after a period of outside ownership).
-
Media & Brand Ventures: Besides the core site, Barstool’s “One Bite” pizza-review brand (including frozen pizzas sold at retailers), media content, and sponsorships contribute significantly to his wealth.
-
Investments: Portnoy has diversified into real estate, stocks, and potentially cryptocurrency — a broad portfolio that helps stabilize his net worth.
This blend of media assets, brand influence, and diversified investments has enabled Portnoy to remain financially powerful — even as the media landscape shifts rapidly.
Big Noon Kickoff vs. College GameDay — What Portnoy Brings to the Table
| Aspect | What Portnoy Adds / Changes |
|---|---|
| Personality & Energy | Portnoy brings a raw, unfiltered, provocative style — he’s more troll than analyst, more hype than breakdown. That can inject spontaneity and controversy. |
| Audience Targeting | By aligning with Barstool’s existing fanbase (younger, digital, edgy), Fox may capture viewers who find traditional pre-game shows too polished. |
| Rivalry Drama & Passion | His open allegiance to Michigan makes rivalry games — especially against Ohio State — even more dramatic and emotionally charged. |
| Risk of Backlash | His aggressive style and polarizing history could offend fans or sponsors, leading to reputational risk. |
While College GameDay remains a well-established institution in college football broadcasting, Big Noon Kickoff — with Portnoy — seems positioned to offer a more rebellious, less conventional alternative.
Final Thoughts
Dave Portnoy’s rise from blog founder to a mainstream college-football pre-game analyst — backed by a net worth of roughly $150 million — is emblematic of how modern sports media is evolving. Traditional lines between journalism, entertainment, fandom, and branding are blurring, and personalities like Portnoy are at the epicenter of that shift.
Whether you see him as a breath of fresh air in sports media — or a provocateur stirring unnecessary drama — there’s no denying: Portnoy’s presence on Big Noon Kickoff is changing the way we watch college football pre-game shows.
