The college football world is buzzing after a viral tweet from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. He poked fun at the University of Texas after their blowout loss to Oklahoma. Portnoy’s humorous hot take has sparked a debate about the perceived weirdness and eccentricity of Texas football culture.

After Oklahoma Sooners crushed their archrivals Texas Longhorns 34-30 last weekend on October 7, 2023, Portnoy jumped on Twitter to rub salt in the Longhorns’ wounds. But what exactly prompted this controversial claim from one of the internet’s biggest personalities? Why are people fixating on the idea that Texas is just plain “weird” regarding sports?

Dave Portnoy Trolls Texas A&M

As founder of the popular sports site Barstool Sports, Dave Portnoy has made a name for himself. He’s an Oklahoma Sooners fan and has publicly feuded with Texas Longhorns supporters. The viral video that caught his attention shows Texas A&M’s cheer squad, known as the “yell leaders,” practicing their cheers in an empty field. With their arms flailing, voices booming, and high-kicks flying, the five male cheerleaders in white, maroon, and blue uniforms look more like a marching band than a traditional cheer squad.

Trending

Exclusive: After Claiming He Can Beat Caitlin Clark 1v1, Iowa’s No.1 NFL Draft Prospect Cooper DeJean Comes Clean

April 25, 2024 03:12 PM EDT

Despite Tom Brady’s Influence, JJ McCarthy Snubs Patriots In Favor of NFC Rivals Thanks to Michigan Connection

April 25, 2024 03:45 PM EDT

2024 NFL Draft: In Eminem’s Presence, Detroit Denied Entry Into NFL History Books as Motor City Fans Stopped Due to Maximum Capacity

April 26, 2024 01:40 AM EDT

Where Is Russell Wilson’s Ex-partner Ashton Meem Now? Everything We Know About Broncos QB’s First Wife

November 20, 2023 04:39 AM EST

NFL Draft: Look Back at Russell Wilson’s Ex-Wife Ashton Meem’s Viral Reaction on 2012 Draft Day After Seattle Seahawks Picked Him in 3rd Round

April 21, 2024 08:58 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Portnoy took to Twitter and quote-tweeting a video of Texas A&M’s yell leaders; he simply wrote, “Weirdest school in the history of the planet.” His tweet blew up instantly, tapping into a narrative that the University of Texas marches to the beat of its drum. Portnoy is famous for his provocative takes and doesn’t shy away from controversial statements if they draw attention.

After Oklahoma demolished their rival Texas, he couldn’t resist the opportunity to twist the knife by mocking the losing team’s eccentric reputation. By calling the University of Texas the “weirdest school in history,” Portnoy’s viral tweet tapped into the perception that Longhorns football culture is off-kilter compared to other colleges. Portnoy’s humorous hyperbole struck a chord after Texas’ embarrassing loss.

The Tweet that launched a debate

While meant as a joke, Portnoy’s “weirdest school” tweet sparked a heated debate on social media. Texas fans argued there was nothing wrong with embracing unique traditions, while many people found it embarrassing. Some found humor in the Barstool personality mocking Texas after Oklahoma handed them an ugly defeat on the field. Others criticized Portnoy for perpetuating silly regional stereotypes. But regardless of which side they took, college football fans couldn’t stop buzzing about the provocative tweet.

“Perez Is a Problem”: George Russell’s Extraordinary Heroics Tipped to Begin Checo’s Ouster

In the high-stakes world of college sports fandom, rivalries run deep. After Oklahoma demolished their team, Texas supporters had to swallow their pride and bear Portnoy’s trolling. But the viral tweet also renewed focus on the University of Texas’s one-of-a-kind identity regarding traditions and culture. For better or worse, embracing the weird comes with the territory for Longhorns fans.

Watch this story: America’s Swimming Favourite Caeleb Dressel Embarks on a New Journey With a Hilarious 8-Word Joke