Caitlin Clark may be sidelined, but she’s still finding ways to stir things up. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy claimed on his podcast that Clark personally gave him the green light to go all-in on Iowa against Iowa State.
Portnoy spelled it out with no hesitation: “Caitlin grew up in Des Moines and still went to Iowa, I don’t know what that says about anything,” Portnoy said. “Iowa is coming here, and the road team has dominated this series. I think it continues.”
He doubled down later with the kicker that sent Iowa fans buzzing: “I expect the quarterback to be much better. I talked to Caitlin on the phone and she said ‘trust me the Hawkeyes are gonna win this game.’ I am taking the Hawkeyes.”
For Portnoy, Caitlin Clark isn’t just a player—she’s a voice that fans treat like gospel. Even while recovering from multiple injuries, Clark remains the face of Iowa sports culture. And when she tells someone “trust me,” it’s going to echo across message boards and betting slips alike.
The Hawkeyes have had the upper hand in the series historically, and Portnoy’s comments only add fuel to the fire. Whether Clark’s confidence pays off or not, she once again shows how her influence goes far beyond the basketball court.
Caitlin Clark has shifted from scorer to symbol, and now even football rivalries are orbiting around her.
Caitlin Clark superfan Dave Portnoy roasts Angel Reese
Dave Portnoy didn’t stop at football takes—he also aimed shots at one of Caitlin Clark’s biggest rivals, Angel Reese. When reports surfaced that Reese had been suspended by the Chicago Sky, Portnoy wasted no time turning it into content.
On X, he posted: “Breaking: Angel Reese suspended by her own team for being an asshole Also breaking: I have been blocked apparently by the Chicago Sky? [double laughing emojis] This league!”
Breaking : Angel Reese suspended by her own team for being an asshole
Also breaking: I have been blocked apparently by the Chicago Sky? 😂😂
This league! pic.twitter.com/714fwHGSJF
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) September 5, 2025
It wasn’t the first time Portnoy sided with Caitlin Clark while trolling her critics. He’s repeatedly defended Clark from doubters, even calling out TV personalities and journalists who downplay her impact. In this case, he turned Reese’s absence into another chance to highlight how divided the WNBA fanbase has become since Clark entered the league.
Reese and Clark have been at the center of a heated rivalry since college, and their clashes have carried over into the pros. Portnoy has made it clear which side he’s on, and his sarcasm only reinforced that loyalty.
Caitlin Clark remains the anchor of the conversation, even when she’s not playing. And with Portnoy riding shotgun, the drama around her name isn’t slowing down.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
