Is Dave Portnoy banned from Northwestern? Explaining Barstool owner's absence for Week 3 game

Barstool founder Dave Portnoy will not be on site for Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff" in Week 3.

Portnoy, who has appeared on the show in both Weeks 1 and 2, announced on social media that he won't be on set for the show in Evanston, Illinois.

Breaking News. I will not be on @BNKonFOX next week. So no #askdave segment for next week. No further questions at this time.

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) September 7, 2025

"Big Noon Kickoff" will be at Northwestern University before the Wildcats take on the No. 4 Oregon Ducks. Dan Lanning and company are coming off a 69-3 win over Oklahoma State and have scored 128 points in two games.

MORE: Fox Sports' Joel Klatt makes bold Oregon prediction

While Portnoy will not be at this week's "Big Noon Kickoff," his absence is not due to any restrictions from Fox or Northwestern.

Is Dave Portnoy banned from Northwestern?

No, Portnoy is not banned from Northwestern. 

In the week leading up to the game, Northwestern football has shown plenty of excitement about the popular show being on campus. This includes head coach David Braun saying how his team is preparing for national attention.

"The lakefront needs to be packed with purple... these are days you dream of when you dream of playing college football." 💜@NUFBFamily's David Braun talks about what it means for BNK to come to Evanston this Saturday and urges Wildside to show out 🔥@Northwestool | @bigten pic.twitter.com/4oIyVORjJj

— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) September 8, 2025

"The lakefront needs to be packed with purple... these are days you dream of when you dream of playing college football," Braun said.

This is the first time the show has ever come to Northwestern.  

— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) September 7, 2025

Why is Dave Portnoy not on "Big Noon Kickoff?"

Portnoy has not disclosed why he will not be on the show. 

In his absence, Barstool's Dave "Big Cat" Katz will be on site. Katz is known for his role on the famous podcast "Pardon My Take," along with appearing on other Barstool shows.

MORE: Dave Portnoy unleashes NSFW rant on Michigan's Sherrone Moore

Where did Dave Portnoy go to college?

Portnoy went to the University of Michigan, and he proudly represents the Wolverines in his appearances. 

Urban Meyer welcomes Dave Portnoy to Big Noon with a gift from Buckeye Nation 〽️ #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/XEDNmGnDjn

— Michigan Football on UMGoBlue (@UMGoBlog) August 30, 2025

Portnoy attended Michigan, graduating in 1999 with a degree in education. 

MORE: Michigan’s Place in the AP Top 25 Under Fire 

When does "Big Noon Kickoff" air? 

The popular college football show will air at 9 p.m. ET from Northwestern's campus in Evanston, Illinois.

Rob Stone will anchor the show, and will be joined by former players Mark Ingram, Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart, former Florida and Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, and Katz.