Dave Portnoy Champions Undefeated BYU as Top 10 Contender in College football Rankings, Slams Big 12 Disrespect

In a bold and unfiltered rant that has College football fans buzzing, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy took to national television to declare undefeated BYU a rightful Top 10 team, while decrying the persistent national snub of the Big 12 Conference. During FOX’s popular Big Noon Kickoff show on Saturday morning, Portnoy didn’t hold back, insisting that the Cougars’ perfect 6-0 record demands respect in the latest rankings and exposing what he sees as deep-seated bias against non-Power Five programs.

Portnoy’s comments came amid growing frustration over BYU’s exclusion from the Top 10 in recent Associated Press (AP) and Coaches Poll rankings, despite their dominant start to the 2023 season. As the Big 12 expands and evolves in the post-conference realignment era, Portnoy’s defense highlights a broader narrative of underappreciation for the league’s competitive depth. With BYU leading the charge, the entrepreneur-turned-analyst used his platform to rally support, sparking heated debates across social media and sports talk shows.

Portnoy’s Passionate Plea on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff

Dave Portnoy, known for his brash style and unwavering loyalty to underdog stories, turned Big Noon Kickoff into a soapbox for Big 12 advocacy. Flanked by hosts like Urban Meyer and Mark Ingram, Portnoy zeroed in on BYU’s case during a segment discussing the weekend’s marquee matchups. “BYU is 6-0, they’re blowing teams out, and they’re not even sniffing the Top 10? That’s ridiculous,” Portnoy exclaimed, his voice rising with characteristic intensity. He argued that the Cougars’ schedule, while not loaded with traditional powerhouses, has been navigated with precision, pointing to wins over Southern Utah, Tennessee Tech, and a gritty 38-31 victory against Arkansas— a team that entered the game with SEC pedigree.

The Barstool boss didn’t stop at BYU; he broadened his critique to the entire Big 12, calling it “the most underrated conference in College football.” Portnoy referenced the league’s historical struggles for national relevance, exacerbated by the recent departures of powerhouses like Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC. Yet, he painted a picture of resurgence, crediting new additions like BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF for injecting fresh talent and storylines. His tirade resonated with viewers, as clips from the show quickly amassed over a million views on social media platforms, fueling hashtags like #JusticeForBYU and #Big12Rising.

Portnoy’s involvement in college football discourse isn’t new. As a vocal proponent of fan-driven narratives, he’s previously championed teams like Notre Dame and Michigan, but his Big 12 focus marks a shift toward amplifying mid-major voices. Insiders say his comments were unscripted, adding authenticity to the moment that captivated audiences tuning in for pre-game hype.

BYU’s Flawless Campaign: Breaking Down the Cougars’ Dominant Wins

At the heart of Portnoy’s defense is BYU’s undefeated record, a testament to head coach Kalani Sitake’s disciplined approach in his eighth year at the helm. The Cougars have outscored opponents 285-123 through six games, averaging 47.5 points per game while holding foes to just 20.5. This offensive explosion is led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff, a junior transfer from junior college ranks, who has thrown for 1,742 yards and 15 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Retzlaff’s efficiency—boasting a 170.4 passer rating—has drawn comparisons to past BYU greats like Zach Wilson, who parlayed a similar breakout into NFL stardom.

Key victories underscore BYU’s legitimacy. Their season opener against Sam Houston was a 41-16 rout, setting a tone of offensive firepower. But it was the non-conference clashes that turned heads: a 38-24 dismantling of in-state rival Utah in Week 2, followed by that hard-fought Arkansas win that propelled them into the national spotlight. In conference play, BYU has handled Kansas and Cincinnati with ease, including a 38-10 blowout over the Bearcats that featured standout performances from running back Deion Smith (126 rushing yards) and wide receiver Chase Roberts (eight receptions, 98 yards, two scores).

Defensively, BYU ranks 22nd nationally in total defense, allowing just 300 yards per game. Linebacker Connor Pay has been a force with 45 tackles and three sacks, while the secondary has intercepted six passes. These stats aren’t just numbers; they represent a program reborn since joining the Big 12 as an independent in 2023. BYU’s 9-4 record last year was solid, but this year’s perfection signals a leap, with the team now eyeing a College Football Playoff berth—a goal that seemed distant just a few seasons ago.

Off the field, BYU’s unique identity as a faith-based institution adds layers to their story. With strict honor codes and a fanbase rooted in Provo, Utah, the Cougars embody resilience, much like Portnoy’s own rags-to-riches Barstool journey. As rankings polls loom, BYU’s body of work demands scrutiny beyond conference affiliation.

The Big 12’s Fight Against National Overlook in College Football

Portnoy’s outburst taps into a long-simmering grievance within the Big 12: chronic underrating by national media and poll voters. For decades, the conference has been overshadowed by the SEC and Big Ten, whose marquee matchups and recruiting hauls dominate headlines. The departure of Oklahoma and Texas in 2024 has intensified this narrative, leaving the Big 12 to prove its mettle with a revamped roster. Yet, early 2023 results paint a different picture— the conference boasts multiple undefeated or near-perfect teams, including Kansas State (5-1) and Oklahoma State (6-0 before a recent slip).

Historically, Big 12 teams have struggled in rankings. In 2022, despite TCU’s run to the national championship game, the league averaged just one Top 10 representative per poll. This year, BYU’s snub—sitting at No. 14 in the AP Poll after Week 6—exemplifies the bias. Analysts point to schedule strength as the culprit; BYU’s opponents rank a combined 85th in Sagarin ratings, paltry compared to SEC slate. But Portnoy counters that wins are wins, citing Arkansas’s 2-4 record pre-BYU as evidence of quality scalps.

The Big 12’s expansion strategy aims to counter this. Commissioner Brett Yormark has aggressively marketed the league, securing lucrative media deals worth $2.7 billion over seven years. Additions like BYU bring not just athletic prowess but massive fan engagement— the Cougars’ home games average 62,000 attendees in a stadium that holds 63,470. This visibility is crucial as college football hurtles toward the 12-team playoff format, where conference champions and at-large bids hinge on perception.

Critics argue the Big 12 must schedule bolder non-conference games to earn respect. BYU’s slate included a home-and-home with Arkansas, but future opponents like SMU and Troy highlight the need for elevation. Still, with stars like Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels and Iowa State running back Rocco Becht shining, the conference is stacking credentials that could force rankings reckonings.

Reactions Pour In: From Coaches to Fans on Portnoy’s Bold Claim

Portnoy’s TV appearance ignited a firestorm of responses across the college football landscape. Sitake, in his post-game presser after BYU’s win over Cincinnati, praised the Barstool founder’s support: “Dave’s got a big voice, and it’s great to hear someone calling out the disrespect. We’re just focused on winning, but validation like that motivates us.” Urban Meyer, the former Ohio State coach on the Big Noon panel, nodded in partial agreement, noting, “BYU’s playing great ball, but Top 10 might be a stretch without more big wins.”

Fan reactions were polarized. On Reddit’s r/CFB subreddit, threads debating Portnoy’s take garnered over 5,000 upvotes, with users split between those hailing BYU’s efficiency and skeptics demanding SEC-level tests. Twitter (now X) saw Barstool’s official account amplify the clip, retweeted by influencers like Pat McAfee, who quipped, “Portnoy’s right—BYU’s flying under the radar like my fantasy team last week.” SEC loyalists fired back, with one prominent analyst tweeting, “Undefeated in the Big 12? Cute, but try beating Georgia.”

Experts weighed in too. ESPN’s Rece Davis, host of College GameDay, acknowledged the debate on his show, saying, “Portnoy brings the passion, and BYU’s case is intriguing. If they beat West Virginia this week, that Top 10 conversation gets real.” Polling data from Athlon Sports shows 62% of voters placing BYU between 11-15, a slight uptick post-Portnoy, indicating his influence on public perception.

This backlash underscores college football’s tribalism, where conference loyalties often trump merit. Yet, Portnoy’s intervention has spotlighted BYU, potentially swaying voters as the season progresses.

Looking Ahead: BYU’s Path to Playoff Glory and Big 12 Validation

As the college football season barrels toward November showdowns, Portnoy’s endorsement positions BYU for a pivotal stretch. Next up is a road trip to West Virginia, a matchup that could vault the Cougars into the Top 10 if they secure a seventh straight win. Following that, games against Iowa State and Oklahoma provide opportunities to stack resume-boosting victories against ranked foes. A 10-2 or better finish, capped by a Big 12 Championship appearance, would make BYU undeniable for an at-large playoff bid.

For the Big 12, Portnoy’s advocacy signals a turning point. With the conference’s average team ranking improving—four squads in the Top 25 per the latest polls—the league is poised to challenge stereotypes. Yormark’s vision includes high-profile bowl tie-ins and NIL collectives to attract top talent, ensuring sustained competitiveness.

Portnoy himself teased more involvement, hinting at Barstool-produced content featuring Big 12 underdogs. If BYU sustains their momentum, his prediction could prove prophetic, reshaping rankings discourse and affirming the conference’s resurgence. In a sport defined by narratives, Portnoy has handed the Big 12 a compelling one: the overlooked giant ready to roar.