The Dave Portnoy 'Big Noon Kickoff' breakup was always inevitable

Fox’s decision to bring Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports into “Big Noon Kickoff” looked like a response to ESPN’s addition of Pat McAfee and an attempt to draw younger or casual viewers. More than a year into the partnership, however, the show is ending abruptly midseason. The article argues the lack of fit was visible early: Portnoy’s well-known feud with Ohio State collided with the reality that the show relies heavily on the Buckeyes. Big Noon Kickoff has been at Ohio State 17 times since 2019, nearly double the number of hosting appearances at any other school. In the Portnoy era, BNK has already visited Ohio State three times, with more expected.