Urban Meyer has a 7-0 winning record against Michigan. The former OSU head coach never backed down from stirring the pot when it’s about the Wolverines. Right from gifting his old rival, Charles Woodson, a ‘sign-stealing’ beer to questioning the 2023 Natty title’s legitimacy. But it may have reached a boiling point when Dave Portnoy made a surprise appearance on Meyer’s show.

Urban Meyer was, as usual, hosting his ‘The Triple Option’ show along with FOX’s Rob Stone and Mark Ingram. But out of nowhere, Stone announced a “surprise” for Meyer. “Guess what somebody showed up as Jim Harbaugh,” announced Stone.

Within moments, Dave Portnoy made his appearance wearing Jim Harbaugh’s signature outfit. A Michigan dark navy sweatshirt, Khaki pants, a Michigan cap, and a whistle hanging from his neck. It was as if someone rolled back Meyer’s rivarly years with Jim Harbaugh. The conversation from then on became red hot.

Just as Portnoy arrived, the Michigan alum didn’t forget to throw punches. Portnoy removed his sweatshirt and unveiled a T-shirt that must have stung Urban Meyer. “It’s been 2163 days since Ohio State beat Michigan,” read the words on the t-shirt. Meyer, though, took it candidly and complimented Portnoy for bringing “high energy” to the show. As for Jim Harbaugh, Portnoy’s getup would surely have brought in some flashbacks to Meyer.

Urban Meyer, after coming to Ohio State, completely transformed the program. Not only did he bring back the on-field heroics after the infamous tattoo-gate scandal. But he opened up OSU’s recruiting to the whole country, unlike earlier, when it was region-focused. Amid that recruiting and on-field dominance, though, Harbaugh at Michigan wasn’t impressed with Meyer. “Really phenomenal record everywhere he’s been. But also, controversy follows everywhere he’s been,” said Harbaugh about Meyer. Urban Meyer, on the other hand, called out Jim Harbaugh way before the sign-stealing scandal broke.

“I think it’s borderline unethical what they’re doing with these camps… It’s like, come on, man,” said Urban Meyer on Jim Harbaugh’s satellite recruiting camps. But the rivalry between the two coaches was well known by then, and Harbaugh responded quickly. “In my America, you’re allowed to cross state borders…So, if we’re arguing against that, we’re arguing against America.”

The rivalry between the coaches culminated in a 4-0 record for Meyer on the field. But the tensions never ended. That was surely the reason why Dave Portnoy specifically chose to be Jim Harbaugh at Meyer’s show. Not to mention Portnoy himself is a die-hard Michigan supporter. That said, Meyer and Portnoy appearing together is hardly news now. Dave Portnoy’s $250 million valued Barstool Sports has an arrangement with Fox Sports. Owing to that, he sits in the press box together with Urban Meyer and other co-hosts at the ‘Big Noon Kickoff’.

Dave Portnoy puts salt on Urban Meyer and OSU’s wounds

Ever since Ryan Day took over Ohio State, the team has had a woeful record against Michigan. Day is 1-4 in the rivalry and even lost last year when OSU won the natty. His lone win came back in 2019 at Michigan Stadium, a comfortable 56-27 victory. This year, though, the Buckeyes want to avenge every loss.

That’s exactly what Urban Meyer had in mind. “Do you really believe that the Wolverine team can beat this one this year?” asked Urban Meyer. Portnoy, without any hesitation, said the chance is “100 times more likely” in 2025. ” I think it’s 100 times more likely than it was last year, like last year I faked sick, didn’t go to the game, didn’t live stream it. I was just sitting in my house. I’m like we’re gonna lose by 40. So if we beat you last year?….,” said Portnoy.

Michigan will host Ohio State on 29th November, which surely looks to be a game in favor of Ohio State. For one, OSU has the top-10 defense in the country, and Julian Sayin is bolstering his Heisman odds in every game. Not to mention, Ohio State has already beaten a tougher Texas and a resilient Washington on the road.