College football rivalries have always been about passion, bragging rights, and a little playful chaos. But this season, Ohio State University has once again shown the world that it might be more fragile than fierce. The recent decision to ban Dave Portnoy—famously known as “El Presidente” from Barstool Sports—from attending the Buckeyes’ upcoming games has left fans and rivals alike shaking their heads and laughing. For many, this move feels less like a display of strength and more like confirmation that OSU is as soft as its critics claim.
Fans across social media wasted no time in poking fun at the Buckeyes. Memes, jokes, and sarcastic takes exploded within hours of the announcement. The phrase “soft as charming” is now trending, suggesting OSU is better at folding under pressure than standing tall in the face of criticism. After all, banning a media personality—even a loud and controversial one like El Presidente—only adds fuel to the fire of rival fans who already view Ohio State as overly sensitive.
And of course, whenever Ohio State finds itself in the middle of controversy, one iconic memory always resurfaces: the infamous planting of the flag. Rival players have literally staked their claim on the Buckeyes’ field before, symbolizing dominance and leaving OSU fans steaming. With this latest ban, fans are jokingly asking whether someone will do it again—this time in solidarity with El Presidente. The imagery of a rival team once more planting a flag at the Shoe is both hilarious and haunting for Ohio State supporters.
At the end of the day, this is what makes college football culture so electric. Rivalries aren’t just fought on the field—they’re fought in the stands, on Twitter, and in moments like this, when one program’s decision becomes the nation’s punchline. Whether you love or hate him, El Presidente knows how to stir the pot, and OSU’s attempt to silence him has only amplified the noise.
So, as the season heats up, the real question is this: will Ohio State prove it’s tougher than the memes suggest, or will rivals seize the moment to once again “plant the flag” in Buckeye territory? Either way, one thing’s for sure—college football fans everywhere are enjoying every second of the drama
