Dave Portnoy Reveals Details, His Involvement in the Bryce Underwood Flip

Only a handful of people knew five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood planned on flipping from LSU to Michigan. When it was announced last week, there was much to learn about how it happened. 

Dave Portnoy, President of Barstool Sports and Michigan alumnus, had publicly shared his plan to bring a top quarterback to the university in September. Not long after it became clear Underwood was the target. How much did Portnoy help? Until Tuesday it was up for debate.

Everything Dave Portnoy Said About His Involvement

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On the newest edition of Barstool Sports’ College Football Show, Portnoy couldn’t wait to discuss his part in the process. 

“It all stemmed from the Pick ‘Em (show in September) when we were just talking and I said I’m going to go get us a quarterback. Because I’m a Michigan man,” Portnoy said. “… That started the ball rolling on what will be known forever as the renaissance of Michigan.

“It set off a chain reaction basically. And I did say when we did it that I want to do it myself. I want to find the guy, I don’t want the NIL involved, and then they’ll do stuff with Barstool. Well, I got a call from the Michigan football team.”

Portnoy was told about a university donor who is also a fan of Barstool. Portnoy said he was hesitant at first because he wanted to do it all himself. The donor turned out to be Michigan alumnus Jolin Ellison, whose husband Larry is the CEO and founder of software powerhouse Oracle. According to Forbes, Larry is worth over $230 billion.

Portnoy and the Ellison’s met on zoom and discussed how they could help Michigan football get back on top. The three decided to get on a zoom with Underwood and his parents the next night, and as they say, the rest was history. According to Portnoy, everything happened almost two months ago.

Portnoy went on to send a message to Buckeye fans during rivalry week.

“Enjoy it this week,” Portnoy said. “20 point favorite – game doesn’t even matter. It literally doesn’t matter. But, oh boy, Michigan is back. And I didn’t know how it would come about, or the role I would play. But Jolin, on that first phone call, she’s like, ‘I needed someone from Michigan to show that they cared as much as I did’. And then it was like the mega-powers uniting.”

Portnoy also confirmed Underwood has a deal with Barstool.

“By the way, Black Friday we have a Bryce Underwood-Barstool collab coming out in the store. Proceeds go to Bryce Underwood, so be on the lookout for that.”

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