Ohio State, after losing 14 NFL Draft picks and facing high expectations, has maintained or improved its performance, winning a national championship and remaining a top contender, driven by strong defense, strategic recruiting, and a motivated coaching staff, despite challenges with roster retention and new play-callers.
Washington Huskies won their first-ever national soccer title by defeating NC State 3-2 in overtime, with Harrison Bertos scoring the winning goal in the final moments of the match, marking a historic achievement for the program.
The SEC football conference, once dominant and undefeated in national titles, faces a challenging season with no clear top team and increased competition from the Big Ten, raising questions about its continued supremacy and the future of college football dominance.
Sports Illustrated predicts Penn State will win the college football national championship in 2023, citing strong returning talent, upgraded coaching staff, and a favorable schedule, despite a long drought since their last title in 1986 and past struggles in big games.
Cornell men's lacrosse won its first NCAA national championship since 1977 by defeating Maryland 13-10 in a highly competitive final, ending a 48-year drought and highlighting standout performances from players like CJ Kirst and Ryan Goldstein.
Simone Biles won her ninth national gymnastics title with an all-around total of 119.750, showcasing her maturity and leadership by supporting Olympic champion Sunisa Lee after a difficult vault. Biles' performance, marked by her trademark athleticism and precision, underscores her continued dominance in the sport as she prepares for the Paris Olympics.
Simone Biles won her record-extending ninth all-around national title at the US Gymnastics Championships, solidifying her dominance ahead of the Paris Olympics. Despite a minor spill, Biles led in all four events and expressed confidence in her performance. Meanwhile, Brody Malone claimed his third national all-around title in the men's competition, marking a significant comeback from a severe knee injury.
The Michigan football team is set to celebrate its 2023 national championship with a parade through campus in Ann Arbor on Saturday, followed by a celebratory event at Crisler Center. Ticket information for the event will be communicated by the school, with proceeds going to a name, image, and likeness group benefiting U-M student athletes. Fans are encouraged to line up along South University Drive and State Street for the parade, and wintry weather is expected. The event at Crisler Center will be televised on the Big Ten Network, with doors opening at 6 p.m.
Michigan's victory in the college football national title game has raised questions about the future of coach Jim Harbaugh and the program. Despite the celebration, there are speculations about Harbaugh's potential return to the NFL. The landscape of college football is set to change with the expansion of the Big Ten and SEC, while the Pac-12 faces challenges. The victory marks a significant moment for both Harbaugh and Wolverines fans, as the team secured its first national title since 1997.
Nebraska volleyball was swept by Texas in the NCAA championship match, with Texas winning their second consecutive national title. This was the third time Nebraska and Texas faced off in the title match, with Nebraska winning in 1995 and 2015. Nebraska's starters included Bergen Reilly, Bekka Allick, Laney Choboy, Lexi Rodriguez, Merritt Beason, Andi Jackson, and Harper Murray, while Texas started Ella Swindle, Emma Halter, Bella Bergmark, Madisen Skinner, Asjia O'Neal, Carissa Barnes, and Molly Phillips.
Colorado School of Mines' hopes for a Division II national title were dashed for the second consecutive year as they fell to Harding in a one-sided 38-7 defeat. Mines struggled to stop Harding's triple-option flexbone attack, allowing 502 rushing yards and only attempting two passes. Despite scoring on their opening possession, Mines was shut out for the rest of the game as Harding dominated on the ground. The loss marked Mines' second consecutive blowout defeat in the championship game.
Clemson's men's soccer team secured a 1-0 victory over West Virginia in the College Cup semifinals, advancing to the final where they will face Notre Dame. Shawn Smart's goal in the 37th minute proved to be the difference, as Clemson extended their unbeaten run to 13 games and maintained a perfect scoring record in the NCAA Tournament. The win sets up a chance for Clemson to win their second national title in three seasons.
Florida State wins the 2023 DI women's soccer championship with a dominant 5-1 victory over Stanford, claiming their fourth national title in program history. The win also ends Stanford's unbeaten streak and marks the first time since 2011 that an undefeated team has won the championship.
After Week 9, there is no clear favorite among the top tier teams in the College Football Playoff projections. Ohio State may be ranked No. 1, but Georgia and Michigan are still the teams that have the highest chances of winning the national title based on simulations. Florida State also has a strong chance due to the ACC's perceived weakness. The recent loss by Oklahoma has made it more likely for the Big Ten to have two teams in the playoff. The projections are subject to change as more games are played.
Sha'Carri Richardson wins the women's 100-meter title at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships in 10.82 seconds, marking her first national title since her previous one was stripped due to a doping violation. Richardson, known for her colorful style, removed her wig before the race and expressed her readiness to compete again after her positive marijuana test at the Olympic Trials. She will now prepare for the world championships, her first major international meet.