Ohio State quarterback Will Howard was the target of trolling by Dave Portnoy following the Buckeyes’ College Football Playoff victory on Wednesday.

The Buckeyes secured a stunning Rose Bowl quarterfinal victory over No. 1 seed Oregon on New Year’s Day, setting up a semifinal matchup against Texas in the Cotton Bowl.

But Howard, who threw three touchdowns, was unable to celebrate the 41:21 victory on stage with his teammates.

The signal caller was denied access to the trophy presentation stage and was forced to watch the celebrations from the stairs in the back.

And of course, Portnoy, a well-known Michigan fan, took the opportunity to mock his rivals’ superstar.

“For everyone who thinks the Michigan game isn’t swallowing up Ohio.” “They wouldn’t even let Will Howard on stage because he was choking on me like a dead dog. Unreal,” the Barstool founder posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, alongside a video of the incident.

Dave Portnoy (right) mocked Ohio State quarterback Will Howard (left) after the Rose Bowl

The signal caller was prohibited from shouting on stage at the Buckeyes’ trophy presentation

The 47-year-old was referring to the rivalry matchup between his state, Michigan, and Ohio State earlier this season.

The Wolverines earned a 13-10 victory over Ohio State thanks to a last-second field goal in the final minute of the game.

The result gave Michigan four straight wins over its Columbus rivals, and shocking scenes unfolded on the field when a postgame scuffle broke out over the Wolverines’ display of their flag in the OSU logo.

However, after Wednesday’s result, the Buckeyes may need to send Michigan a thank-you note for that wake-up call.

OSU defeated the Ducks 13-0, with Howard throwing for 319 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions, making his stage snub even more brutal.

One from 10TV presenter Adam King

The Barstool founder targeted Howard because of Ohio State’s loss to Michigan earlier this season

Howard for 319 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Oregon Ducks

The 23-year-old finally had his time to shine when he was allowed on stage

Several voiceovers tried to tell the official that Howard was the team’s quarterback, while his teammate Tyleik Williams also tried to intervene, urging the star to step up.

Williams was then seen laughing and jokingly pretending to block the stage while Howard tried to find another way to the stage.

It later emerged that the incident occurred because there was a weight limit on stage and Howard’s inclusion would have exceeded the maximum.

However, in the end he managed to steal the spotlight as he was finally seen on stage and even sealed the victory with a kiss with his girlfriend Lauren Leiker.