Barstool Sports founder prepared to spend millions to bring top QB to Michigan

Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy walks towards the pagoda before the start of Carb Day practice, Friday, May 28, 2021, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Photo Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is a Michigan alum and big fan of his school, and he is willing to put his money where his fandom lies.

Portnoy said on a Barstool Sports “Pick ’em” show episode that was published Wednesday that he would be willing to spend millions each year to pay a top quarterback to come to the school.

“I’m going to get us a top-10 quarterback in the portal coming out every year,” Portnoy said.

Portnoy said that such a deal would be a marketing deal for Barstool Sports. For instance, he would have said player make weekly appearances on the popular “Pardon My Take” podcast.

Portnoy added that $3 million in a year is the maximum amount he would be willing to pay for a quarterback.

Portnoy’s comments are rooted in the belief that the Wolverines are weak at quarterback this season. By comparison, the team had tremendous success under future first-round pick JJ McCarthy the previous three seasons, including a national championship win last season.

The Wolverines began the season with Davis Warren as the starting quarterback but switched to Alex Orji for the win over USC last weekend.

I will go out and get Michigan a top 10 QB every year with NIL #GoBlue

Full @Barstoolpickem here: https://t.co/RgTVCUWhK9 pic.twitter.com/Pr9DPpvVHb

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) September 26, 2024