Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is ready to back his passion for Michigan football with serious cash. As a diehard fan of the Michigan Wolverines, Portnoy has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the team’s quarterback situation this season.
Michigan’s quarterback play has been inconsistent, and Portnoy, never one to shy away from sharing his opinions, believes the team needs a major upgrade at the position. His frustration is understandable given the performances so far. Davis Warren has struggled with ball security, throwing six interceptions over the course of three games. Meanwhile, Alex Orji has been more focused on running the football than passing, limiting Michigan’s offensive versatility.
Determined to see his Wolverines succeed, Portnoy has taken matters into his own hands by making an eye-popping NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) pitch to Michigan. Portnoy is offering to personally spend millions of dollars each year to ensure the Wolverines land an elite quarterback, potentially through the transfer portal.
“Michigan, I will be your quarterback guy,” Portnoy declared. “You just say, ‘Dave, go [get a quarterback].’ I’ll talk to whoever you want. I will sign them for $1 million, $2 million—whatever it takes. I can get a quarterback. We don’t have a quarterback.”
Portnoy went on to explain that his investment in securing a top-tier quarterback wouldn’t be limitless but would reach as high as $3 million per season if necessary. His bold offer could potentially bring a top-10 quarterback to Michigan from the transfer portal year after year, drastically improving the team’s chances of national success.
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If Portnoy’s proposal were to come to fruition, it would represent a significant shift in college football.
The use of NIL deals has already transformed the landscape of recruiting, and a dedicated booster like Portnoy with deep pockets could be a game-changer for Michigan. His willingness to funnel substantial money into the program to secure elite talent would undoubtedly draw attention across the college football world.
As of now, Michigan hasn’t publicly responded to Portnoy’s offer, but it’s possible this conversation could pick up momentum during the offseason.
The idea of a high-profile alumnus with such financial influence taking an active role in player recruitment would certainly be an interesting development for both the Wolverines and the broader college football community.
For now, though, Michigan is sticking with Alex Orji at quarterback. In their most recent game, Orji recorded 32 passing yards and 43 rushing yards in a win over USC. While Orji is doing his part, the team’s offensive output remains under scrutiny, particularly from passionate fans like Portnoy.
The Wolverines’ next challenge comes in a matchup against Minnesota, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on FOX.
Whether Portnoy’s offer leads to a future filled with star quarterbacks at Michigan remains to be seen, but for now, his passionate plea highlights just how far some fans are willing to go to see their team thrive at the highest level.
