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SALT LAKE CITY — Welcome to the offseason ... and what a long nine months it will be.
The college football season has concluded, with Michigan coming out on top in the end.
It's been a fun season, but change is around the corner as teams from around the country switch conferences and the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams for the first time in its history.
There will be plenty of time to discuss all of that in the offseason. But first, it's time for the final rankings of the 2023 season. The following is the ballot I submitted to the AP that will be counted toward the official consensus poll released later tonight.
1. Michigan
Michigan was the team of destiny — even with Jim Harbaugh coaching half the season and much of the conversation around the team being about the off-the-field stuff. But the Wolverines proved to be the best with an incredible defense and a high-powered run game. What the future holds for the Wolverines remains to be seen — especially if Harbaugh leaves to the NFL — but what a way to go out.
Washington was a worthy suitor, but there's a part of me that wants to see Michigan do it against Georgia.
2. Washington
The Huskies went undefeated until the very end, but that shouldn't take away from the remarkable season Washington had. Michael Penix Jr. wasn't on in the final game, but there's no denying how good and resilient Washington was this season. Now this matchup becomes a Big Ten game ... RIP Pac-12, we hardly knew you.
3. Georgia
Everyone was focused on Florida State being left out of the playoff — for good reason — but Georgia was likely the most hurt by not being included in the four-team playoff model. The Bulldogs have spent the last three years as one of the best teams in college football, but Georgia lost one game over a two-year period (in the championship, mind you) and was held out of a three-peat opportunity.
Georgia took out all their frustration (and then some) on a withered Florida State team without several starters. Even with Florida State's full starting unit, Georgia still likely wins that game. The Bulldogs may not have been in the playoff, but it's difficult to argue they're not one of the best teams in the country.
4. Texas
The jokes were fun, but it seems Texas may actually be back. Whether the Longhorns have staying power — especially in a move to the SEC — remains to be seen, but there's no question Steve Sarkisian has found a winning recipe with this program. I know many believe the sport is better when Texas is good, but I'm just happy to see another team contending for a title.
5. Alabama
Never count Alabama out! (I may have said earlier in the season that we might be seeing the downfall of the Crimson Tide, but who's asking?)
Alabama continues to recruit at a high level, Nick Saban is still head coach, and the Crimson Tide continue to be a contender each season, even when they're not firing on all cylinders.
6. Oregon
Oregon has a Washington problem — who doesn't, really? — but outside of that the Ducks had a great season. Oregon got paired up with Liberty in the bowl game and had no problem earning a victory, and even a curtain call for quarterback Bo Nix. This Oregon team was great on both sides of the ball and continues to recruit at a high level. It's a good time in Eugene right now.
7. Ole Miss
The offseason will be spent talking a lot about Ole Miss — and not just because Juice Kiffin continues to steal the show. The Rebels have been slowly building into a national power, and their win over Penn State showed how far they've come. Ole Miss still has several tough teams ahead of them, but with how well Lane Kiffin has used the transfer portal, there will likely be some staying power here.
8. Missouri
Missouri seemingly came out of nowhere this season, but had a great year and finished it with a win over Ohio State. There's a lot to be optimistic about with this team, but consistency remains key. Will this be a one-year trend or something to watch moving forward. I'm looking forward to see if Missouri can continue to be a top team in the SEC.
9. Florida State
Yes, everybody was seemingly out for the bowl game, and the Seminoles only had one loss on the season. But a drop to No. 9 feels appropriate given the way the season ended (and how well the teams above them did). I hate to put a lot of stock into the last part of the season, but I can't in good conscience rank the Seminoles higher.
10. Ohio State
Ohio State was a quarterback short of being ranked much higher. But despite how well Ohio State continues to recruit each season, the QB position remains a pivotal spot for a team to compete as a top-five team. Consider this a down year for the Buckeyes, but I imagine this will only make Ohio State stronger — or Ryan Day is slipping and Ohio State is in a free fall. Either way, it makes for great content.
If you can't see the full poll below, click here.
