The 2023 college football season left an indelible mark on fans, with triumphs and heartbreaks defining the year. Florida State, boasting a stellar 13-0 record and ACC championship, found itself both exalted and forsaken as the College Football Playoff committee controversially omitted the undefeated Seminoles from the coveted four-team field.
Winners Texas
The Longhorns, under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership, proved they are indeed “back.” Predicted as the Big 12’s preseason favorite, Texas dominated conference play and secured a noteworthy road victory against Alabama in Week 2. Positioned to contend for the national championship, Texas has fulfilled the aspirations it envisioned upon hiring Sarkisian and transitioning to the SEC.
Pac-12 Football
Amidst the impending dissolution of the Pac-12, the conference delivered a memorable swan song. The championship clash between Oregon and Washington served as a legitimate College Football Playoff play-in game, showcasing the Pac-12’s competitive spirit. With four teams in the CFP top 20 and standout performances, the Pac-12 had a banner year, establishing itself as a must-watch conference.
Northwestern Coach David Braun
Navigating through adversity, Northwestern’s David Braun, promoted from defensive coordinator amid a hazing scandal, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Transforming a 1-11 team into a 7-5 contender, Braun’s coaching prowess earned him the full-time position. With roots in the North Dakota State program, Braun has the opportunity to build a robust program in Evanston.
Transfer Quarterbacks
The Heisman Trophy finalist trio—Jayden Daniels (LSU), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), and Bo Nix (Oregon)—all shared a common narrative: they were transfer quarterbacks. The success of these transfers, along with several others making significant contributions, underscored the impact of quarterback movement. The transfer portal, witnessing over 100 quarterbacks in a week, continues to reshape college football dynamics.
SMU
Initially facing disappointment with a 2-2 start, SMU transformed its season with a historic 8-0 run in the AAC, culminating in a 26-14 victory over Tulane in the conference championship game. Achieving their first conference title since 1984, the Mustangs secured coach Rhett Lashlee’s commitment through 2029, signaling a promising future for the program.
New Mexico State
Under coach Jerry Kill, New Mexico State achieved a historic milestone by securing its first-ever win over an SEC team, defeating Auburn 31-10. The Aggies, with 10 wins for the first time since 1960, showcased their resurgence. Kill’s impact extended beyond on-field success, influencing coaching investments at UTEP and New Mexico, setting the stage for elevated football in the region.
Ohio State Coach Ryan Day
Despite an emotional post-game defense of his team’s toughness, Ryan Day faced a challenging season, marked by a third consecutive loss to rival Michigan. Losing starting quarterback Kyle McCord to the transfer portal further complicated matters, and with key players’ NFL futures uncertain, Ohio State enters a rebuilding phase, amplifying the pressure on Day.
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Lincoln Riley, renowned for successful coaching stints, encountered a challenging season at USC. The Trojans stumbled to a 7-5 record, losing five of their last six games and barely securing a bowl game berth. With existential questions looming about Riley’s ability to build a program, coupled with the departure of Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, USC faces a pivotal juncture.
Houston, UCF, BYU, and Cincinnati faced a harsh initiation into the Big 12, combining for an 18-30 record and an 8-28 conference play performance. Transitioning from Group of Five success to power conference competitiveness proved daunting. The quartet now grapples with roster revamping challenges, exacerbated by the impending entry of Utah, Arizona, Arizona State, and Colorado.
After consecutive winning seasons, Arkansas experienced a downturn in 2023, securing just one conference win. Firing offensive coordinator Dan Enos didn’t arrest the slide, and the Razorbacks face uncertainties, hoping former coach Bobby Petrino can rejuvenate the offense. In a competitive landscape, falling behind could pose significant challenges for Arkansas.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, once a rising power under Pat Narduzzi, suffered a dramatic reversal in 2023. Despite a preseason ACC poll placement, the Panthers finished 3-9, narrowly avoiding the title of the worst ACC team with a surprising victory over Louisville. Narduzzi’s offensive approach, seemingly at odds with past success, led to the firing of offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr., signaling a need for strategic adjustments.
The Bluebonnet Battle (Baylor and TCU)
In a regrettable timing for the debut of their new rivalry trophy, both Baylor and TCU endured disappointing seasons. TCU, after a magical run to the national championship game the previous year, stumbled to an 0-4 record in one-score games, missing a bowl game. Baylor, projected as a signature program, finished with the worst record in the conference just two years removed from a Big 12 championship, raising concerns about their trajectory.
While Deion Sanders garnered attention for his coaching transition, Trent Dilfer faced a challenging inaugural season at UAB. The Blazers, consistent winners under Bill Clark, slumped to a 4-8 record, marking their worst season since 2013. Dilfer’s tenure begins with a significant setback, and the program must address the issues to reclaim its standing in the Group of Five.
The 2023 college football season’s winners and losers reflect the unpredictable nature of the sport, where triumphs and setbacks shape the narrative of each team’s journey.
