Photo via Awful Announcing

Dave Portnoy claims Fox wants ‘Wake Up Barstool’ to talk more Cowboys

Barstool Sports host Dave Portnoy revealed that Fox executives have instructed *Wake Up Barstool* to prioritize coverage of the Dallas Cowboys, despite the show’s usual irreverent tone. Portnoy admitted during a segment that Fox’s corporate leadership—whom he jokingly referred to as the ‘big boys’—has repeatedly pushed for more Cowboys discussions, framing the franchise as a ratings driver.

The directive came after Fox recently removed Portnoy from *Big Noon Kickoff*, its college football show, less than halfway through its second season, despite earlier hopes the move would replicate ESPN’s success with younger audiences through Pat McAfee’s *College GameDay*. Meanwhile, ESPN’s own Cowboys-centric approach—often mocked for its relentless focus—has proven a ratings hit, prompting Fox to adopt a similar strategy with its own daytime programming.

Up nextNFL· 32m ago

Report: On doctors' advice, Jalen Hurts played in London after being awake for 36 hours