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Still Can’t Beat Michigan: How Dave Portnoy’s Shirt Became the Ultimate Rivalry Burn
Aug
In the heated world of college football rivalries, few matchups ignite as much passion as Michigan versus Ohio State. Enter Dave Portnoy, the outspoken founder of Barstool Sports and a die-hard Wolverines supporter, who turned a simple pregame show appearance into a legendary troll fest. On August 30, 2025, during Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” in Columbus ahead of Ohio State’s clash with Texas, Portnoy didn’t just show up—he stole the spotlight with a cheeky shirt that perfectly captured Michigan’s recent dominance. This moment wasn’t just banter; it was a cultural mic drop that had fans buzzing across social media and beyond.
@cfbonfox Portnoy Trolls OSU fans 😂 #CFB #OhiosState #Michigan #daveportnoy
The On-Air Antics That Set the Internet Ablaze
Portnoy’s entrance was nothing short of theatrical. Striding onto the set in Columbus, he belted out “Hail to the Victors” with gusto, immediately inciting a chorus of boos from the Ohio State faithful. Undeterred, he feigned innocence, claiming, “I’m not here to troll you,” before dramatically removing his Big Ten hoodie to unveil the now-infamous shirt. The phrase “Still Can’t Beat Michigan” hit like a gut punch, referencing the Buckeyes’ four straight defeats since their last win in 2019, including a gritty 13-10 Michigan victory the previous season.
The crowd’s reaction was visceral, with boos escalating as Portnoy ramped up his rant. He told the fans to “shut up” amid the noise and took direct aim at Ohio State coach Ryan Day, labeling him “soft” in a nod to the ongoing banter about Michigan’s past sign-stealing scandal. Even a custom Buckeyes jersey gifted by former coach Urban Meyer didn’t sway him—Portnoy quipped it would be used as “toilet paper” for his new house, further fueling the fire. This unscripted energy transformed the broadcast into a spectacle, blending sports analysis with WWE-style promo flair.
Social media erupted almost instantly, with videos of the segment racking up millions of views. Fans from both camps weighed in—Michigan supporters hailed it as legendary, while Ohio State backers fired back with accusations of pettiness. Clips on platforms like Instagram and TikTok turned the shirt into a meme machine, with users recreating the reveal and adding their own twists. The antics not only boosted “Big Noon Kickoff’s” visibility but also showcased Portnoy’s knack for turning controversy into content gold.
Why This Shirt Symbolizes a Shifting Rivalry Power Dynamic
At its core, the “Still Can’t Beat Michigan” shirt represents more than just apparel—it’s a badge of reclaimed dominance in a rivalry that has long favored Ohio State. For decades, the Buckeyes held the upper hand, but Michigan’s recent streak, starting in 2021, has flipped the narrative. Portnoy’s bold display underscored this shift, reminding everyone that Ohio State’s high expectations under Ryan Day haven’t translated to wins in “The Game,” despite their talent-laden rosters.
The shirt also taps into the emotional undercurrents of the feud, including lingering resentment over Michigan’s sign-stealing allegations. While some Buckeye fans dismiss the Wolverines’ successes as tainted, Portnoy and others argue that on-field results speak louder. This moment amplified those debates, with the shirt becoming a shorthand for Michigan’s resilience and Ohio State’s frustration. It’s a reminder that rivalries thrive on such psychological edges, where a single phrase can sting more than a scoreboard.
Beyond the broadcast, the design has sparked a merch boom, with similar shirts popping up for sale online through fan sites and Barstool affiliates. Michigan fans have embraced it as a symbol of pride, while it serves as motivation for Ohio State to reclaim their edge. As the rivalry evolves, moments like this ensure it remains vibrant, drawing new generations into the fray and proving that in college football, the off-field drama can be just as compelling as the action on the turf.
