And then there were four.
The sixth and final College Football Playoff rankings were unveiled today, and the committee had no easy decision to make. With four spots open for six potential candidates, there was going to be at least one unhappy program.
It was not a surprise to see Michigan go at No. 1. The Wolverines went 13-0 this year, defeating Iowa in the Big Ten championship. Washington at No. 2 was no shocker either, as the Huskies went 13-0 and defeated Oregon in the Pac-12 title game.
The last two spots were going to bring controversy, and it did just that. The committee elected to put Texas at No. 3 and Alabama at No. 4, leaving Florida State and Georgia as the last two out.
Despite a perfect season and ACC championship win over Louisville, the CFP committee elected to give Texas and Alabama the edge over Florida State, who become the first undefeated Power 5 champion in the CFP era to not make the playoff. The injury to star quarterback Jordan Travis undoubtedly played a factor into the decision to leave out the Seminoles.
It sets up semifinal matchups between No. 1 Michigan and No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl, and No. 2 Washington against No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl.
MORE: When is the College Football Playoff championship 2024?
Here are the rest of the College Football Playoff top 25 rankings, as well as all the New Year's Day 6 bowl information you need to cap off a wild 2023 college football season:
College Football Playoff rankings 2023
Top four teams of final CFP poll
| Ranking | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 13-0 |
| 2 | Washington | 13-0 |
| 3 | Texas | 12-1 |
| 4 | Alabama | 12-1 |
First two teams out of final CFP poll
| Ranking | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Florida State | 13-0 |
| 6 | Georgia | 12-1 |
College Football Playoff top 25 rankings
| Ranking | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 13-0 |
| 2 | Washington | 13-0 |
| 3 | Texas | 12-1 |
| 4 | Alabama | 12-1 |
| 5 | Florida State | 13-0 |
| 6 | Georgia | 12-1 |
| 7 | Ohio State | 11-1 |
| 8 | Oregon | 11-2 |
| 9 | Missouri | 10-2 |
| 10 | Penn State | 10-2 |
| 11 | Ole Miss | 10-2 |
| 12 | Oklahoma | 10-2 |
| 13 | LSU | 9-3 |
| 14 | Arizona | 9-3 |
| 15 | Louisville | 10-3 |
| 16 | Notre Dame | 9-3 |
| 17 | Iowa | 10-3 |
| 18 | NC State | 9-3 |
| 19 | Oregon State | 8-4 |
| 20 | Oklahoma State | 9-4 |
| 21 | Tennessee | 8-4 |
| 22 | Clemson | 8-4 |
| 23 | Liberty | 13-0 |
| 24 | SMU | 11-2 |
| 25 | Kansas State | 8-4 |
MORE: Heisman Trophy watch: Updated odds, top candidates to win 2023 award
New Year's Day 6 bowl games
| Bowl | Date | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Bowl | Dec. 29 | No. 7 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Missouri |
| Peach Bowl | Dec. 30 | No. 10 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 Penn State |
| Orange Bowl | Dec. 30 | No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 6 Georgia |
| Fiesta Bowl | Jan. 1 | No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 23 Liberty |
| Rose Bowl (CFP semifinal) | Jan. 1 | No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Alabama |
| Sugar Bowl (CFP semifinal) | Jan. 1 | No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Texas |