Barstool exits Big Noon Kickoff as Fox cites format clashes and Big Ten pressure

Key points

Portnoy and Barstool personalities will no longer appear on 'Big Noon Kickoff' starting with the Michigan vs. Minnesota game on October 3.

The partnership began in July 2025, but sources cited by The Athletic describe the removal as a result of unsustainable format clashes between Fox's traditional style and Barstool's edgy persona.

Portnoy accused Ohio State and Ryan Day of threatening Fox and the Big Ten, claiming the conference had 'no choice' but to remove him.

The broader Barstool-Fox agreement continues, with 'Wake Up Barstool' remaining on FS1 and potential new shows being added.

Portnoy stated that 'Barstool College Football' will continue and hinted at future appearances in Columbus, Ohio.

Background

This development follows a year of tension between Barstool and the Big Ten. In September 2026, reports indicated Portnoy faced a ban from Ohio Stadium, though the university denied it. The Big Ten later clarified that Portnoy would not appear on the show's set inside any stadium, leading to a format where the main crew made picks from a remote location. Prior to this, Fox had announced the partnership in July 2025, integrating Barstool into its revamped daytime lineup.

How outlets are covering it

The Athletic and USA Today emphasize that the removal was driven by the 'constant challenge' of merging Fox's traditional programming with Barstool's persona, noting no single specific incident caused the split. In contrast, Portnoy and the New York Post highlight his narrative that Ohio State and Ryan Day actively lobbied the Big Ten and threatened Fox, forcing the network's hand. Portnoy explicitly rejected the idea that the split was due to format issues, instead framing it as a result of external pressure and 'temper tantrums' from Day.

Why it matters

The exit marks the end of a high-profile experiment in sports media, where a traditional network attempted to integrate a disruptive, internet-first brand into its core pregame coverage. It highlights the friction between legacy sports broadcasting and modern digital personalities, particularly when external stakeholders like conference commissioners and university administrators exert influence. The survival of the broader deal suggests Fox still values Barstool's audience, but the pregame segment's failure indicates limits to how much traditional formats can be altered.

What to watch

Fox will continue airing 'Wake Up Barstool' on FS1 and may add more shows to the partnership. 'Big Noon Kickoff' will proceed without Barstool, with the main crew including Rob Stone and Urban Meyer leading the show. Portnoy's 'Barstool College Football' will continue, potentially with live segments from Columbus. The immediate focus is the Michigan vs. Minnesota game on October 3, where the show will air without Barstool for the first time.