In a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 college football regular season, the Washington Huskies have emerged as one of the top teams in the nation. The Coaches Poll, released on Sunday, has elevated the Huskies to the No. 3 spot in the rankings, setting the stage for an intense Pac-12 Championship Game clash with the No. 5 Oregon Ducks.

Washington's ascent in the Coaches Poll comes on the back of a thrilling victory over arch-rivals Washington State. The Huskies, who remained undefeated, secured a hard-fought 24-21 win in the Apple Cup with a game-winning field goal. The victory not only solidified their standing in the rankings but also heightened their hopes of securing a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff.

While Washington celebrates its rise in the standings, several other notable teams encountered setbacks in Week 13. Louisville, who suffered a defeat in their rivalry game against Kentucky, fell five places to No. 14. Ohio State, previously in the top five, also experienced a tumble after a loss to Michigan in The Game. This reshuffling allowed Michigan to rise to No. 2, while Ohio State now sits at No. 6, closely followed by Texas and Alabama.

At the pinnacle of the Coaches Poll, Georgia continues to assert its dominance, holding onto the top spot with an impressive 59 first-place votes. Florida State, despite being overtaken by Washington, maintained their No. 4 rank.

Further down the rankings, the Group of Five schools made their presence felt, with AAC finalists Tulane and SMU featuring at No. 19 and No. 24, respectively. Conference USA favorite Liberty claimed the No. 22 spot, while James Madison secured the No. 25 ranking.

As the focus now shifts to the upcoming Pac-12 Championship Game, Washington's clash with Oregon is poised to be a showdown for the ages. With a place in the College Football Playoff potentially on the line, the Huskies will be eager to continue their winning ways and cement their status as one of the nation's elite teams.

The Coaches Poll top 25 after Week 13 highlights the evolving landscape of college football, where every game holds immense significance. With surprises, upsets, and resolute performances, the stage is set for a thrilling journey towards the championship.