Dave Portnoy Doubles Down on Michigan football, Dismisses NIL Concerns
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, has ignited the college football world with a fiery rebuke of Ohio State and a staunch defense of the University of Michigan’s program. His comments come amidst ongoing discussions surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and their impact on recruiting.
Portnoy didn’t mince words, dismissing the significance of financial incentives in college athletics. He openly scoffed at reports of a $20 million NIL package offered too a recruit, framing it as insignificant compared to the Wolverines’ dominance.
“that’s like what, one quarter of Bryce Underwood?” Portnoy reportedly stated. “We don’t care about $20 million.”
A Defense of Michigan & a Jab at Ohio State
His passionate defense extended to Conor Stalions, the former Michigan staffer currently facing scrutiny. Portnoy highlighted Stalions’ military service, questioning the severity of the penalty imposed.
“He can’t coach for eight years for being great at decoding signals and serving his country?” he asked rhetorically.
Portnoy’s message to Ohio State was particularly pointed. He encouraged them to “cry” and acknowledged Michigan’s long-standing rivalry success. “Haven’t beat us since the days of Covid,” he declared.
He confidently predicted a continued Michigan victory,nonetheless of financial advantages enjoyed by opponents. “Twenty million? Like we give a [expletive] about twenty million,” he stated.
Portnoy’s Involvement in Michigan Recruiting
Portnoy’s support for Michigan isn’t merely verbal.He’s actively involved in bolstering the program’s recruiting efforts.
He’s partnered with Tom Brady, minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Larry Ellison, Oracle’s CTO, to attract top talent to Ann Arbor. Their collective efforts were instrumental in securing a commitment from Bryce Underwood, ESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class.
Underwood’s commitment represents a important win for the Wolverines and underscores the impact of these high-profile supporters.
A Broadcast snub & Continued Confidence
Interestingly, FOX reportedly declined to feature Portnoy during their season-opening broadcast of the Michigan-Ohio State game. This decision seemingly stemmed from his overt and keen support for the Wolverines.
Despite this, portnoy remains undeterred. He has publicly vowed to attend the game in Columbus, stating, “We’re coming for you.” He anticipates another Michigan victory and intends to be present to witness it firsthand.
Portnoy’s outspokenness and active involvement demonstrate a deep commitment to michigan football.His perspective offers a unique and often provocative take on the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly regarding NIL and recruiting. Ultimately, he believes Michigan’s success will be determined by performance on the field, not by the size of its NIL deals.
Worth a look