Ann Arbor has been anything but quiet since Kyle Whittingham took over. First, it was revealed that Michigan nemesis Urban Meyer assisted Whittingham behind the scenes with his coaching staff. Now, just as fans were processing that, $250 million booster Dave Portnoy floated a bizarre offer involving the former Ohio State head coach, one that could spark real chaos if it ever turns real.

“Urban Meyer, special assistant to the coach?” Dave Portnoy poses this question during a conversation with Meyer himself on the Wake Up Barstool podcast.

“I like the sounds of that. We’ll welcome you over. Listen, we will take it. You’ve told me you got along with Bo, and you respect the program. This is just something that happens. Your friend, your guy, is now our guy. We’ll welcome you with open arms.”

But Meyer bleeds Scarlet and Gray, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.

“I’ll never say the M word. I’ll never wear Maize and Blue,” Meyer responded. “But I’m pulling for Kyle and every other game other than the one.”

For Meyer, Michigan was always just “that team up north.” Building a seven-game winning streak didn’t come easy, and he treated The Game like a year-round obsession. He reportedly had a staffer whose only job was to scout Michigan and even baked rivalry-specific drills into spring practices. With that kind of mindset, it’s hard to imagine Meyer ever bowing to the enemy, let alone helping them in any way.

It’s needless to say that Dave Portnoy asking Urban Meyer to jump on the Michigan bandwagon wasn’t on anyone’s 2025 bingo card. That’s especially true since the Barstool boss and the former Ohio State head coach have been trading jabs all season on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff. Portnoy has basically been a thorn in Ohio State’s side all year, to the point where the school reportedly banned him from Ohio Stadium earlier in the season.

That put Meyer right in the middle of nonstop rivalry-fueled smack talk. And The Game this year? Totally different vibe. After four straight losses under Ryan Day, Ohio State was desperate to flip the script in 2025. Before kickoff, Portnoy and Meyer even made a live bet on Big Noon Kickoff. The loser would donate $1,000 to the rival school’s NIL fund.

Ohio State handled business with a 27–9 win, meaning Portnoy owed the Buckeyes’ NIL collective. But weeks went by with no payment, and Meyer couldn’t resist poking the bear. On his Triple Option podcast, he called Portnoy out for not paying up and jokingly told him to “pay your debts.” By December 23, Portnoy finally settled it, sending Meyer a signed check. Meyer showed it off on the podcast, while laughing that Portnoy’s “people” probably wrote it for him.

Urban Meyer’s helping hand for Kyle Whittingham

Kyle Whittingham openly credited Ohio State legend Urban Meyer for pivotal advice that eased his transition to Michigan’s head coaching role. Yeah, he didn’t think of the rivalry before revealing this news. This revelation underscored a decades-long bond forged at Utah, where Whittingham served as Meyer’s defensive coordinator from 2003-2004 before succeeding him. Whittingham and Meyer built a “very tight” professional and personal relationship during Utah’s rise.

However, it ended in a 2004 Fiesta Bowl upset over Pittsburgh that propelled Meyer to Florida. Whittingham inherited a powerhouse, posting a 177-88 record over 21 seasons, including three Pac-12 titles, two undefeated campaigns, and 11 bowl wins. Meyer, who went 7-0 against Michigan at Ohio State (2012-2018), remained a trusted confidant, offering counsel on staff assembly amid Whittingham’s planned overhaul. Whittingham detailed Meyer’s input during the conference.

Top Stories

NFL Makes Final Punishment Decision on Shedeur Sanders Incident in Week 17

Chiefs Coach Abruptly Leaves Andy Reid’s Staff Amid Titans’ Rumored Interest in Matt Nagy

“I’d Be Dead”: NASCAR Legend Credits Kevin Harvick for Saving His Life

Jerry Jones Finally Acknowledges the Dak Prescott Gamble Hasn’t Paid Off; Confirms Painful Changes Ahead for Cowboys

Historic NASCAR Track to Change Its Iconic Name as City Council Moves to Auction It Up

Two-Time Venezuelan UFC Champion Clears Stance on Trump’s Takeover and Maduro’s Capture

“You’ve got to bring in guys that you’re familiar with, and you trust, and you’ve worked with… Urban and I are very tight. Got some counsel from him. He’s been to a few places, he said.” The Meyer nod drew laughs but highlighted Whittingham’s candor. Asked about Ohio State animosity, he quipped, “I do now! The December 10 firing amid scandals tracing to Jim Harbaugh’s era, Whittingham brings a scandal-free resume and ‘plenty left in the tank’ to chase titles.