EDITOR’S NOTE
I tend to save a lot of workout videos on my IG — and yes, I never look at them again. But it turns out, those influencer routines might be a waste of time anyway, and there are smarter alternatives to try. Enter: “snacktivities” — they sound like the perfect minibreaks to keep my body moving throughout the day (sadly, they don’t involve actual snacks). Meanwhile, there’s some new validation for all of us who carry emotional support water bottles: New data found hydration habits might be linked to how well your body may handle stress. While I refill mine, here’s what’s making sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
Scandal, College Football Edition
What's going on: Forget the rivalries, college football is facing some internal battles of its own, and the drama is playing out on the sidelines. No, we’re not talking about the players — but the coaches. Halfway through the regular season, Penn State fired head coach James Franklin after more than 11 years, potentially owing him a nearly $50 million buyout (nothing says “get out” like the second-largest payout in college football history). The reason, or at least, part of it? The Nittany Lions lost three consecutive games, and Penn State wants to win…like, yesterday. Meanwhile, the rumor mill is swirling that UNC coach Bill Belichick might be looking for a buyout amid his team’s bleak record — though he denied the reports as “categorically false.” And in Wisconsin, fans want coach Luke Fickell on the chopping block, with the Badgers currently ranked last in their conference. Someone, please call a timeout.
Our take: As one sports analyst put it, college coaching is having its “edition of The Hunger Games.” Universities like Penn State, UNC, and Wisconsin have made significant investments in their football programs — and changing up the coaching strategy could be worth it to them if it boosts the chances of a win. Not to mention, football often drives campus culture and brings in the big bucks. (Exhibit A: The Big Ten conference raked in nearly $1 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.) Still, others question whether these universities have their priorities straight (somewhere, there’s a professor who’s been begging for an office with a window). Whatever these colleges decide, one thing is clear: The stakes are high.
Related: This NFL Team Just Fired Its Head Coach (AP)
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
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🥇 Simone Biles is already getting our hopes up for a historic appearance at the LA Olympics. Stick it.
👀 Who would ever hold Coco Gauff back from competing? Her latest trophy proves she was meant to play.
😭 There’s no crying in baseball, unless you pull off one of the most remarkable plays in history. That’s going in the MLB highlight reel.
🎃 Another reminder that WNBA stars are really just like us, surviving one hayride at a time.
😫 Whoever said “love is a battlefield” clearly hasn’t been to a sports stadium. Fans are fighting for their lives out there.
Timeout...
We need to circle back to the WNBA Finals…
The sports world moves fast — but many fans are still riding the exhilarating high of watching the Las Vegas Aces score their third WNBA championship in four years. By now, you’ve heard the Aces swept the Phoenix Mercury — and that feat is remarkable given that the team wasn’t considered a playoff contender early in the season. But thanks to coach Becky Hammon and MVP players like A’ja Wilson, the team remains the league’s reigning dynasty. Now, if we could all celebrate like A’ja did…Up next: Eyes are on negotiations for the league’s collective bargaining agreement — with the current deal expiring Oct. 31, many are asking: Are we looking at a lockout?
Put Us In, Coach
This week on our sports and culture show, Well Played:
Is this NFL player trying to tell us he’s a Swiftie? We examine the evidence.
A Parent Trap reunion that’s giving us all the feels.
The number of celebs in this Lakers video? The limit does not exist.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
We put the viral Bala Bangles weights to the test and the results were…interesting.
We’ll take your team’s jersey and raise you the insanely cozy hoodie we’ll be living in until February 8.
This just in: Skimm’rs can get 10% off at Supergoop! with code TheSkimm10, plus a free gift on orders over $60 through the end of the month.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
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