Latest news with #GoFish
Buzz Feed
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
39 Outdoor Toys And Activities To Keep Your Kids Busy
Waterproof playing cards so your kids can get a fierce game of Go Fish going without worrying if their already-wet-from-the-pool hair drips onto the cards. Or a waterproof version of the beloved Taco, Cat, Goat Cheese, Pizza game — it's a card game you can play with your family for guaranteed giggles and a way to catch your breath from traipsing around in the ocean. A watermelon pool ball made of PVC material that'll hold up stronger than your willpower when your kiddo makes their eyes super big and very sweetly asks for an ice cream cone. Be warned: this isn't just any beach ball! It can be dribbled underwater (I KNOOOOW!), can be inflated in seconds with a water hose using an included needle-sized disaster, and weighs over 14 lbs when it's full! Crab-shaped mesh bags and sifters tykes can use to gather all the exciting treasures they find while strolling along the beach or, honestly, even in their own backyard! Reusable water balloons made of eco-friendly material — sooooo easy to fill so you'll spend less time prepping and more time indulging in an intense water balloon battle alongside your kiddos. Or a hilarious poop-shaped version your kids won't be able to stop giggling about all summer long. All they'll need to do is fill it with water and let the magnetic seal do the rest. A set of sand castle molds that'll solidify your "cool parent" status when you break 'em out at the beach and help your kiddos craft a structure worthy of a prince or princess. A too-cute set of silicone beach toys in, dare I say, rather aesthetically pleasing colors you'll be proud to hand off to your kids for a day of fun in the sun. And collapsible buckets you'll love because they won't take up precious cargo space in your trunk — which you and I both know is packed to the brim when you bring your kids anywhere, let alone the beach. A massive 160-piece pack of sidewalk chalk they'll be *so* excited over they might just forget to pester you about extra screen time — encourage them to create all kinds of art at the playground or leave funny pictures for passersby. A hook and ring game that'll take up minimal space — if you don't have a huge area to work with you'll still be able to set up some fun for your kids. A sea shell art and crafts kit featuring glow-in-the-dark paint for the tiny Picasso in your home that would love nothing more than to create their own beachy masterpiece. A rainbow kite you and your family can break out and live your best Mary Poppins life (as long as there's enough of a breeze). Alexa, play "Let's Go Fly a Kite." A splurge-worthy balance bike that'll have your restless mini-me boppin' out the front door and speeding down the block the minute you say, "OK, FINE!" It'll teach your kiddo to learn how to ride pedal-free (so impressive). An incredibly useful sandbox with a lid that opens up to double as benches for kiddos to sit on while they play. The lid will ensure you can keep it up and running throughout the fall without leaves and other outdoor debris sneaking in. Or a smaller (but equally fun) Step2 sandbox that won't take up as much space in your backyard but will have more than enough room for your minis to play in all afternoon. It comes with a lid to keep the sand dry when not in use (and prevent little critters from hanging out in it overnight). Banzai Bump N' Bounce Body Bumpers you can count on to elicit full blown belly laughs — from both kids and adults. How could you not? You're gonna want to have your phone at-the-ready for this one. A geode-breaking activity from National Geographic that'll give you and your kids an excuse to pick up a hammer and smash rocks in half. The best part? The cracked-open rocks will reveal stunning crystal centers you can learn about together. A construction-themed folding play set complete with kinetic sand, a dump truck, a working crane, a wrecking ball, and bucket attachments to keep kiddos entertained for houuuuurs — it even includes a carrying kit to contain the mess to one space (ideally). A saucer swing that'll quickly become your kid's favorite place to hang (literally). It holds up to 700 pounds (WHOA!) so feel free to let multiple tykes pile on for some fun! Or a platform swing that'll help you make the most out of that suuuper old tree in your yard while also giving your child a place to burn off some energy without leaving the confines of your yard. A lawn mower your mini-me will love because it'll release bubbles as they push it and they'll get to pretend they're just like whichever lucky parent cuts the lawn every weekend. A giant bubble kit, so enchanting, even the most angsty of kids won't be able to resist giving them a go. It even comes with two packets of biodegradable bubble solution and a tips and tricks booklet to help you make the best (and biggest!) bubbles ever. And a bubble machine that'll have your toddler scoffing at the old handheld bubble wands they're used to seeing — this one will take playtime to the next level without filling the house with extra noise. A Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster your little one will want to ride again and again (and agaaaaaain! Toddlers, man). The ramp and car also fit into the base for easy storage. A classic Little Tikes slide you may have had when *you* were a kid — it's extremely easy to set up and will provide your mini-me with hours of fun (just wait until they discover they can climb back up the slide all on their own). A kids' bow and arrow with foam-tipped arrows, so your tween who just finished reading The Hunger Games for the first time can embrace their inner-Katniss and indulge in some (safe) target practice. A John Deere Ride On Tractor you won't be able to resist splurging on for your vehicle-loving kiddo — it'll be a great way to keep them entertained this spring while also teaching them how to help out around the yard. Sounds like a parenting win to me. A Doona Liki Trike that'll grow with your tyke — first you can push them along in it as a stroller, then transform it into a push tricycle, and finally turn it into a toddler tricycle. Your kiddo will have so much fun in the sun with this trike. ☀️ A 2-in-1 checkers and tic-tac-toe game with checkers on one side and tic-tac-toe on the other, a must-have for any family who would rather exercise their brain muscles. A ring toss set to help all the neighborhood kiddos work on their hand-eye coordinator and encourage some ~friendly~ competition. Flickin' Chicken — a game that will have your family cackling from the first time you play. Players are encouraged to make up their own rules so you'll have a different experience every time. Boredom? I don't know her. Spikeball, an easy-to-transport game that is kinda like volleyball and will have your kids asking you to bring it to every outdoor adventure. A miniature golf set you can use to create a course right in your backyard — no need to spend a bunch of money taking the entire family out for mini golf. You and your kids can get crafty and set up all kinds of challenging obstacles to make it different each time you play. A bug catching kit for curious kiddos who would love nothing more than to get a closer look at some creepy crawlers then set 'em free. A classic Little Tikes basketball set — you'll finally be able to show off your *~skillz~* to your kids while teaching them how to shoot some baskets. This addition to your yard will surely be a slam dunk. 😉 An adjustable tee ball set so your little slugger can practice their swing whenever the mood *strikes* (hehe) — no need to schlep to a batting cage! An incredible Step2 canopy play patio complete with a faux grill, a sand table, a water table, and a snack station — it'll make your tyke feel like they're vacationing at an all-inclusive resort whenever they step inside. (Not that they even know what that means, but you do!) Or a kid's BBQ set that'll match the one you cook burgers and hot dogs on regularly during the summer — now they can play alongside you instead of asking, "Is dinner ready yet? Is it ready yet?" It has realistic sounds, lights, and lets out steam like an actual grill!
Buzz Feed
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
36 Products For Celebrating 'Budget Girl Summer'
Dove's Coconut Milk & Sugar Lychee Body Wash so moisturizing, gentle, and decadently-scented that you're going to feel fully transported to your ~happy place~ every time you lather it on. This is especially lovely for sensitive skin, since the plant milk base is nutrient-rich and sulfate-free to keep your skin feeling eeextra soft and loved. A tinted lip balm that's eerily close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect. A deck of waterproof cards so if you end up taking "Go Fish" a little too literally, your hand will survive plopping into the pool. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors. A cult-favorite Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball reviewers compare to the pricey Sol de Janeiro version. 👀☀️ This is from TikTok-famous small business brand Kuumba Made, known for its luxury scents at ridiculously affordable prices, so you know they're on their game — reviewers especially love how ~beachy~ and long-lasting this sweet but elevated fragrance feels and how nicely it plays with other scents! Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush, aka your scalp's BFF this summer — reviewers don't just swear by this for face coverage and a protective setting powder, but for protecting their hairline without their hair getting goopy from sunscreen scalp sprays or regular sunscreen lotion. Bonus — this is a heck of a lot cheaper than its competitors, like the $35 Supergoop and $36 Brush On Block! A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on a pedicure, without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. Moroccanoil's Mini Must-Haves Sampler, which is so affordable that I'm not not pinching myself to make sure I'm awake. Reviewers especially love these teensy versions for traveling in ~luxury~ on the cheap, and for trying these beloved splurgeworthy products without committing to the whole price first! Sally Hansen's iconic Insta-Dri nail polish perfect for anyone who wants quick touch-ups on their fingers and toes but has ZERO time to spare. If you're looking for a reliable, long-lasting, fast-drying polish to save not just time, but big bucks at the salon, I cannot recommend these enough! A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets for the ultimate in genius summer investments — these use essential oils, including citronella, to help stop those teensy vampires in their tracks. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo with all the oil-absorbing, refreshing power of its competitors, *plus* added keratin for protection against frizz and breakage. The subtle gardenia scent is just extra extra credit after all that. E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm for all the ultra fans of Summer Fridays, Rhode, and Laneige whose bank accounts are begging them to put a stop to the lippie madness. These new deliciously tinted, moisturizing, buildable glosses are just as buttery and decadent as the balms that inspired them, for a fraction of the price. (Brb, drowning myself in the "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Vanilla Toffee" flavors.) Olay's Firming Body Lotion full of collagen peptides and a Vitamin B3 complex for *ultra* hydration designed to visibly plump, firm, and moisturize your skin — all at a fraction of the price of other firming lotions, like the internet's beloved $48 Elasti-Cream. A cute lil' insect catcher you can set in a plant or near your fruit bowl or compost to deal with any unwanted fluttering guests. These odorless sticky traps are designed to work indoors and outdoors and will stop fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more — without the high price tag of the electronic or liquid versions. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra so comfy, supportive, and versatile that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion to give you a gradual-building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier, and a HECK of a lot cheaper than its competitors. A wildly popular floral print sheer cover up for the perfect finishing touch to all your summer outfits that won't make you swelter in the heat. Reviewers especially love how easily this packs (and photographs!!) for travel. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your summer schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version. Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a beloved K-beauty staple reviewers compare to the $46 Gisou version for MEGA hair hydration and heat protection up to 450 degrees, so you can style your hair without sacrificing on ✨shine✨. This unique blend of seven-oil blend Moroccan argan, olive, coconut, apricot, Marula, jojoba, and camellia oil not only protects hair, but helps correct damage from dryness, *and* reduces drying time. A ridiculously versatile solar-powered bird bath fountain pump — all you have to do is plop it in water in a traditional bird bath, planter, or backyard decor, and boom! You have a sweet little bird haven that can burble water up to a foot high for all our feathered friends to enjoy. An affordable sleeveless exercise romper you will be SO glad you bought on days when the sun is trying to bake you like cookie dough. These are medium-compressive, soft, breezy, and SUPER easy to throw on when your brain is too fried to match a top and a bottom in the heat. Bonus — these are comparable to Aerie, Abercrombie, and Hollister versions that can go for three times this price! A set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute. Spooky Summer, another beloved stress relief coloring book from Southern Lotus, a brand that's made itself famous on TikTok for its cozy, relaxing, easy-to-draw themes. This one is full of happy little spooks enjoying their favorite summer ~haunts~. A pair of popular quick-dry water shoes to keep your feet from burning or getting beaten up all summer — reviewers love these for everything from walking on rockier beaches to kayaking to washing their cars. They're flexible and comfy like a sock, but protective against nefarious objects like sharp rocks and stray Legos. A super lightweight, loose-fitting high neck muscle tank for fans of the Lululemon version at a *much* lower price point. This is a breezy *dream* thanks to the quick-dry fabric, the cross-over pleat in the back, and the slight petal hem at the bottom. A waterproof, super lightweight JBL Go 3 speaker so you can impress your friends not just with your excellent playlist curation skills, but the ridiculous sound quality that comes out of this tiny gizmo. It's so portable that you can easily tuck it into a tote bag on your way to a park or pool hang, and so waterproof that reviewers even keep it in the shower! Twister Splash, an updated version of everyone's favorite body-contorting game that'll shoot water at you unless you can cover the hole with your hands or feet. A Skims-inspired square-neck compressive body suit that's basically 10 outfits in one — you can rock it solo, wear it as a bodysuit tucked into jeans, or pair it with a hoodie or a jacket. Go, little base layer, gooooo! A waterproof pouch to keep your phone and other "doesn't play well with water"–type gadgets safe. Not only does this keep it safe, but you can still use the touchscreen with it, meaning you can take underwater travel photos galore 🐠🐟🐡. A set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Reviewers especially love these because they're an affordable alternative to ones that typically run $18 per case! E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, another home run from the brand's moisturizing "Holy Hydration" line that reviewers are comparing to the $35 Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe. This lightweight formula is designed to brighten and plump skin for a dewy effect, whether you're wearing it alone, applying it under your makeup, or mixing it with your foundation. A square-neck lettuce trim "going out" top that a lot of reviewers compare to an expensive mall brand, but muuuuch more affordable. And thank goodness, because once you fall for its comfy stretch and effortless cool, you're going to want it in WAY more colors. A set of Bala Bangle-inspired wrist and ankle weights to get your ~fitness~ on this spring — these serve all the same cuteness and function without the $55 price tag. Not to mention this has a TON more colors available to match your 'fits. A pair of luxe retro-style oval sunglasses giving Miu Miu vibes without the $489 price tag. The devil's in the chic details on this one, including the little gold embellishments on the sides and the nostalgic shape of the lenses, which are softer than the typical skinny oval lens. Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette as an $8 alternative to the $88 (!!) Makeup Forever Palette. This includes a range of highly-pigmented, super blendable shades to help you contour, highlight, and bronze on days when your Gcal just say "GO GO GO" all the way down. (Psst — this is the same brand behind the TikTok-famous $6 Under Eye Brightener, so you know they mean business!) A luxe, super soft two-piece pajama set with some real "vacation mode" energy, so even if your summer travel plans are "backyard" and "someone else's backyard," you can still feel like you're on a tropical getaway. Psst — reviewers compare these to the $128 Roller Rabbit version! 👀
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
As Modern Family's Lilly Pritchett aka Audrey Anderson turns 18, have a look at her most savage dialogues from the show
Get ready to scream, because the baby who entered Modern Family wrapped in a Simba blanket just turned 18. That's right, Audrey Anderson, better known as the gloriously blunt Lilly Pritchett, is officially an adult as of today, 6 June 2025. And honestly? She is not pretending to fall asleep anymore to avoid conversations, she is grown, glorious, and full power sarcastic. Let's rewind, when Modern Family first aired back in 2009, baby Lilly (played originally by twins) was introduced in a full-blown Circle of Life moment by her theatrical dad Cameron and his ever-neurotic husband Mitchell. It was chaotic. It was camp. It was unforgettable. But the game changed in season three when Audrey Anderson stepped into the role, and brought enough sass to set the entire Dunphy-Tucker-Pritchett clan ablaze. She did not just grow up; she came in swinging with enough burns to roast the whole extended family. "Can I take a break? I wanna be alone." Remember that time little Lilly wanted out of a dramatic photoshoot with her dad Cam and told Mitchell, deadpan, that she 'wants to be alone'? According to Cam, that cold stare was the exact emotion he had been trying to capture. "Cry me a river. ... Sorry, should I call you a wahmbulance?" Or the episode where she mercilessly dunked on her dads' emotions with a snarky 'Cry me a river,' followed by her new favourite comeback — the 'wahmbulance.' Claire, Mitchell's sister, may or may not have been the accidental sass mentor behind that transformation. "Do you have any queens?" "Yeah, two big ones." And then there is the GOAT moment: while playing Go Fish with Cam, he innocently asks if she has any queens. Without missing a beat, Lilly claps back with, 'Yeah, two big ones.' Cam is scandalised. Mitchell is somewhere in between laughing and traumatised. Classic. "Sometimes, when you read to me, I pretend to fall asleep so you'll go." Fast forward to one of the most brutally honest moments in Farm Strong, when Cam is being 'too emotional' — again. Lilly calmly tells him she sometimes pretends to be asleep just so he will stop reading to her. The entire fandom gasped. Some cried. Cam definitely cried. "Daddy's just having a moment, he's always having a moment." And let us not forget when Cam is 'having a moment' and Lilly shrugs it off like a seasoned therapist saying, 'He is always having a moment.' No lies detected. So today, as Audrey Anderson steps into adulthood, we celebrate not just the actor, but the legacy of the sassiest, most brutally honest little legend TV has ever raised. Happy birthday, Audrey. Lilly may be fictional, but her burns? Eternal.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Bold and the Beautiful recap for May 27, 2025: Hope gives Carter an answer
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Carter gets an answer to his proposal while Ridge presses Steffy for information in The Bold and the Beautiful recap for May 27, 2025. More The Bold and the Beautiful The Bold and the Beautiful recap for May 26, 2025The Bold and the Beautiful recap for May 23, 2025The Bold and the Beautiful recap for May 22, 2025The Bold and the Beautiful recap for May 21, 2025 We begin today with a look at the engagement ring Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) has for Hope (Annika Noelle). He continues his impassioned speech to her, letting her know she's the best thing that's ever happened to him. He asks her to marry him, but she stays silent. Taylor (Rebecca Budig) finds Steffy (Lawrence Saint-Victor) in the office late. Taylor knows she's been taking care of Liam and cautions her daughter that there are only so many hours in the day. She offers to stop in and check on him now that Liam knows what's going on. Steffy hates keeping the secret from Ridge (Thorsten Kaye), who walks in at that moment. Liam (Scott Clifton) and Kelly (Sophia Paras McKinlay) are in the middle of an intense game of Go Fish. Kelly is so happy to have Liam staying with them and she never wants her father to leave. Liam looks distressed as he holds her so Kelly asks if he's sad. Finn (Tanner Novlan) walks in as Liam tells Kelly how happy she makes him. As he hugs her, Liam and Finn share a look. Steffy greets her father while Taylor says she's been looking for Ridge. Ridge says it's time for them to come clean and he thinks it has something to do with Hope. He wants to know what changed Steffy's mind about allowing Hope back to the company. Carter says he wants to start their happy ever after right away, but Hope says she thought they already had that. When he tells her to trust him, he realizes it's hard because of the betrayal. Hope knows he was sincere in his apology, but a proposal is a 'big step' that she's clearly not ready for. Finn asks who won the game? Liam says Kelly won again. Kelly tells Finn she loves having her father living with them. Finn diplomatically says Liam will eventually leave, as will she after she grows up. Liam says even when she's grown up, she'll never be alone. Steffy says she took a 'hard line' about the takeover, but her perspective shifted. Ridge says Hope said the same thing and Taylor says that's exactly what they all want. But Ridge won't let it go, he wants to know what the 'other priorities' are. Hope wasn't expecting a proposal so soon after reuniting. Carter says he would marry her on the spot if he could. Carter knows he broke her trust and promises he'll never let that happen again. But he wouldn't be there with a ring if he didn't think he could be the man she needs. Finn checks his phone and sees a text from Dr. Buckingham asking if Liam knows what he wants to do about treatment. Liam returns from putting Kelly to bed. They share a moment talking about the kids. Liam asks if Finn told Li about his condition, but Finn promises he hasn't said a word to anyone. Liam thanks him; he knows Steffy told Taylor but understands Steffy needed someone to talk to. Finn is happy to be there to help, telling him that he needs to focus on living, not dying. He knows it, as a doctor, a father and a husband. Liam says he was watching Kelly fall asleep and he knows he can't keep his secret from the kids for much longer. He doesn't know how to tell them that he's dying, but he has to figure out how to say goodbye to his daughters. Steffy doesn't want to give Ridge the wrong impression. She and Hope still have things to work out, but they are making progress. Ridge asks what they're going to do with Hope, prompting Taylor to ask if she's going to re-launch Hope for the Future. Steffy says that's a decision for her, Ridge and Eric. 'And Carter,' Taylor adds. She notes that Carter must be very happy having Hope back. Hope admits she's been thinking about having a life with Carter. She points out that she's never felt a man's full commitment to her and she doesn't want to settle for anything less. He promises all of that, and more. 'Just say yes,' he says. Ridge asks if Steffy knows anything about Hope and Carter getting back together. Steffy says she has concerns about Hope and Carter 2.0 after the coup, but ultimately she wants them to be happy. Finn says when the time comes, Liam will know what to say to Kelly. And Steffy can be there with him. Liam says Steffy has been his rock, but so, too, has Finn. He's been more than just a doctor, he's been a great friend and it is very comforting knowing Finn will be there. Finn tells Liam about the text and asks if he's thought about the treatment? Liam says he's hoping to make sure the kids are ok. He knows Steffy has Finn, so he's hoping Hope can have Carter. He knows Hope could have an amazing life with him if Hope will only say yes to it. Carter continues his plea for Hope to say yes. He says he can make sure he'll be the best stepfather he can be to Beth. And maybe they'll have a child of their own, which makes Hope laugh. He says he believes in their love more than ever and he promises that being her husband will always come first. He asks her again to marry him, and Hope says yes. 'Yes, Carter Walton, I will be your wife,' she says. They share a kiss and lots of laughs before he slides the ring on her finger. The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS and the following day on Paramount Plus. Check your local listings to see when it comes on where you are.
USA Today
19-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
SEC, Big Ten stacking College Football Playoff deck would be so pathetic and unnecessary
As the SEC and Big Ten debate how to stack the College Football Playoff deck, their actions are as pathetic as they are unnecessary. SEC, Big Ten are home to incredible football programs. Why should they need preordained CFP bids? Aren't they good enough to earn the bids on merit? SEC, Big Ten leaders reportedly considering an expanded playoff with bids preassigned to conferences. If you've played Candyland or Go Fish with a toddler, you know they rig the rules to help them win. Maybe, they haven't learned how to lose gracefully, or they're accustomed to getting their way. Eventually, they grow up and realize nobody wants to play with a cheater, and, anyway, games are more fun if they're not rigged. The folks running the SEC and Big Ten apparently never learned that. They're acting like 4-year-olds while steering the College Football Playoff's future, debating how they can rig the bracket to reduce their chance of losing. It's weak, and it's pathetic, and, if they keep it up, they might find that the audience grew tired of their immature gamesmanship and lost interest in the product. The 12-team playoff – a postseason format forged from a mindset of fairness and created with painstaking compromise – will last for one more season. After this 2025 season, control of the College Football Playoff shifts into the hands of the SEC and Big Ten. Those two conferences will reshape the playoff as they see fit. Petulance guides their actions. Playoff expansion to 14 or 16 teams is under consideration. This would be gluttonous, considering the first team left out of the 12-team bracket last season finished with four losses, three of which came against teams with a combined 21-18 record. But, many of us already made peace with the 12-team playoff serving as a pitstop en route to something bigger. So, fine. Go ahead and expand. The more pitiful development is how the bids in this reformatted playoff would be assigned. At least half of the bids within a 14- or 16-team playoff would be reserved for the SEC and Big Ten before the season even kicks off, in one format the conferences are exploring, according to reporting by Yahoo! Sports. The idea within a 14-team format would work like this: Four automatic bids for the Big Ten, four for the SEC, two apiece for the ACC and Big 12, one for the Group of Five and one at-large bid. Call this the 4+4+2+2+1+1 format. Just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? Or, in a 16-team format, tack on an additional two at-large bids for three at-large bids total. Either format would reduce the CFP selection committee's role in selecting the most deserving teams. In other words, the SEC and Big Ten would begin the season knowing that, no matter how their teams fare, their two conferences would account for no fewer than 50% of the playoff bids. And, so what if one of these conferences experienced a down year? No problemo, thanks to the built-in security blanket of preassigned bids. What a farce. As for teams in other conferences, well, they'd be playing Candyland against immature children demanding that their pieces be placed halfway to the finish line before the first card flips. WHO'S NEXT?:The six coaches with best chance of winning first national title MONEY MATTERS:Revenue at the root of College Football Playoff expansion Stacking College Football Playoff deck unnecessary move The incredible petulance of this plan is trumped by how unnecessary this is. The SEC and Big Ten don't need to stack the deck to be fairly rewarded. They built the two best conferences, housing incredible programs, backed by enviable war chests. The product speaks for itself. If a 16-team were in place last season, the SEC would have snagged six bids, based on the final College Football Playoff committee rankings, followed by the Big Ten (four), ACC (three), Big 12 (one), Group of Five (one), plus Notre Dame. In other words, bid distribution would have looked a lot like what the SEC and Big Ten mull preordaining. The SEC and Big Ten fearing that the playoff selection committee would treat their teams unfairly without automatic bid protection bases itself in paranoia rather than reality. Historically, the committee smiles upon teams from those two leagues. The Big Ten and SEC teamed up to snag nearly 60% of the bids in the first 12-team playoff. Nothing wrong with that. They earned those spots on the field. Why are they so afraid they can't earn a lion's share of the bids in the future unless they jigger the rules? Should SEC be rewarded for its history? An SEC acolyte might argue the conference's history supports it receiving postseason protections. An SEC team won the national championship 13 times in a 17-year span from the 2006 through 2022 seasons. Then, Big Ten teams won the last two national championships, and the Big Ten supplied half of the CFP semifinalists in two of the past three years. The SEC's run of dominance, in particular, proved impressive in its longevity, but the postseason in other sports rewards present success, not the history books. The MLB playoffs don't reserve a spot for the Yankees just because they own 27 World Series titles. They used to prove its elitism with performance rather than demanding postseason representation based on conference affiliation, before the season started. Hijacking the playoff seems like a reckless way to build audience. If you're a Texas Tech, Oklahoma State or Washington State fan, why passionately engage in a sport in which power- and money-hungry leaders disrupted rivalries via conference realignment, and now the SEC and Big Ten want to manipulate the playoff, too? These two leagues successfully seized control after threatening to collect their toys and go start their own playoff, unless everyone agrees to play by their rules. What a shame for college football's playoff, because games played with a stacked deck quickly become stale, as anyone who's played Candyland with a 4-year-old knows. Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@ and follow him on X @btoppmeyer. Subscribe to read all of his columns.
