Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy will be in Provo this weekend for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff, but his own popular show won’t be joining him — and it’s not because of a ban.
According to Portnoy, Brigham Young University (BYU) extended an invitation for The Barstool College Football Show to film live from LaVell Edwards Stadium ahead of the weekend’s high-profile rivalry game. The university even offered to help cover production expenses. However, there was one firm condition: the show had to remain completely free of profanity.
“They want Barstool here,” Portnoy said on his podcast. “They even offered to help pay for the show, but the caveat was no swearing — and that’s something we just couldn’t promise.”
Why Barstool Said No
Known for its edgy, unfiltered style, Barstool Sports built its brand on humor and commentary that often toes the line. Portnoy explained that censoring language would alter the show’s character.
“BYU didn’t ban Barstool,” he later clarified on social media. “Quite the opposite — they invited us and were willing to help with costs. It just wasn’t in the cards since we couldn’t do the show their way.”
While The Barstool College Football Show will not film in Provo, Portnoy will still appear on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff panel alongside the network’s commentators.
A Complicated Relationship
The development comes only three weeks after Portnoy and his crew led anti-BYU chants during Big Noon Kickoff’s broadcast at the Utah-Texas Tech game — a move that sparked controversy among fans. Despite that tension, BYU appeared open to collaboration, signaling a willingness to host the Barstool brand if it adhered to the university’s standards of conduct.
BYU’s Approach to Public Image
As a private university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU has long emphasized maintaining a family-friendly environment during on-campus events and broadcasts. That stance aligns with the school’s strict honor code and reputation for keeping its sports programming clean and respectful.
What’s Next for the Rivalry Weekend
While the Barstool crew will be absent, Provo is still expected to draw a massive crowd for Big Noon Kickoff. The matchup has generated significant buzz, with both FOX and Barstool fans eager to see how Portnoy interacts with the Cougar faithful after the recent tension.
Even without the full Barstool production, Portnoy’s presence ensures that BYU will still get plenty of national attention — and perhaps a few viral moments along the way.
