The 2023 college football season brought both triumph and disappointment as Florida State experienced an unforgettable season, only to be left out of the College Football Playoff. As the winners and losers of the season emerge, the landscape of college football undergoes major changes with conference realignment and playoff expansion.

For Florida State, the season started with a bang as they secured a three-touchdown victory over LSU, led by potential Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. The Seminoles went on to achieve a perfect 13-0 season, winning their first ACC championship since 2014. However, their hopes of a national championship were shattered when the CFP selection committee controversially excluded them from the four-team playoff, citing the absence of star quarterback Jordan Travis due to injury. This unprecedented decision left the Seminoles as both the biggest winners and losers of the 2023 college football season.

While the focus remains on Florida State's disappointment, other significant developments unfolded throughout the season. The Pac-12 conference, which is set to scatter after more than 100 years, delivered a memorable swan song. The league championship clash between Oregon and Washington served as a play-in game for the College Football Playoff, highlighting the conference's depth and competitiveness. With four Pac-12 teams finishing in the CFP top 20, and surprises from teams like Arizona, the Pac-12 cemented itself as the must-watch conference in college football in 2023.

One of the season's standout stories unfolded at Northwestern, where head coach David Braun took charge amidst a hazing scandal. Braun's resilient leadership guided the Wildcats to a remarkable turnaround, flipping a 1-11 team to a 7-5 record, their best non-pandemic season since 2018. With Braun now promoted to the full-time position, Northwestern has the opportunity to build a robust program under his guidance.

The dominance of transfer quarterbacks emerged as a notable trend in the 2023 season, with three of them becoming Heisman Trophy finalists. Jayden Daniels (LSU), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), and Bo Nix (Oregon) showcased their talents and led their respective teams to success. The impact of transfer quarterbacks was further emphasized by the significant number of quarterbacks entering the transfer portal, signaling a shift in the college football landscape.

SMU and New Mexico State also found success in the 2023 season. SMU's historic run in the AAC resulted in their first conference championship since 1984, while New Mexico State achieved their first 10-win season since 1960, including a momentous victory over an SEC team. These accomplishments have raised hopes for the future of both programs.

On the other hand, teams like Ohio State and USC faced disappointment. Ohio State coach Ryan Day's emotional outburst after a win over Notre Dame captured the passion and frustration surrounding the team's inability to defeat rival Michigan for the third consecutive year. USC, despite the hiring of Lincoln Riley and the presence of Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, stumbled to a disappointing 7-5 record, raising questions about Riley's ability to rebuild the program.

The Big 12 newcomers, including Houston, UCF, BYU, and Cincinnati, had a challenging transition into the power conference. They struggled to replicate their previous success and ended the season with a combined 18-30 record, highlighting the difficulties of stepping up to a higher level of competition.

The article also mentions the struggles faced by teams like Arkansas and Pittsburgh, who failed to meet expectations in the 2023 season. Arkansas managed only one conference win, while Pitt struggled to a 3-9 record, falling far short of their preseason expectations.

Lastly, the article highlights the disappointment of the Bluebonnet Battle between Baylor and TCU, two programs that had shown promise in recent years but faltered in 2023, potentially setting themselves back for years to come.

As college football undergoes significant changes with realignment and playoff expansion, the winners and losers of the 2023 season provide a snapshot of the joy and heartbreak that define the sport. From perfect seasons to unexpected disappointments, the 2023 season will be remembered as a transformative and eventful year in college football.