Who Won 2023 NCAA Football Championship?

By Sarah Miller · September 15, 2029

The Georgia Bulldogs won the 2023 NCAA Football National Championship, defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 65-7 on January 9, 2023. This decisive victory secured their second consecutive national title and third overall in program history, cementing their status as a modern college football powerhouse.

Overview of the 2023 NCAA Football National Championship

The 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship was the culmination of the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the game featured the top-seeded Georgia Bulldogs against the third-seeded TCU Horned Frogs. Georgia's dominant performance marked one of the most lopsided wins in championship history.

Key Facts About the Game

Date: January 9, 2023
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Matchup: #1 Georgia Bulldogs vs. #3 TCU Horned Frogs
Final Score: Georgia 65, TCU 7
Championship Trophy: CFP National Championship Trophy
Head Coach (Georgia): Kirby Smart
Head Coach (TCU): Sonny Dykes

Path to the Championship

Both teams earned their spot in the national title game through strong performances during the regular season and success in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Georgia’s Road to Victory

Finished the regular season 12-0, winning the SEC Championship
Defeated Ohio State 42-41 in the Peach Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
Entered the final with a 14-0 record
Relied on a balanced offense led by QB Stetson Bennett and a stifling defense

TCU’s Historic Run

Finished regular season 12-1, winning the Big 12 Championship
Defeated Michigan 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
First appearance in the CFP National Championship
First non-Power Five conference team to reach the title game since 2006 (Hawaii)

Game Highlights and Performance Breakdown

Georgia delivered a masterclass performance, scoring touchdowns on their first nine possessions. The Bulldogs set multiple records, including the most points scored in a national championship game.

Individual Standout Performances

Stetson Bennett IV (QB, Georgia): Threw for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns
Adonai Mitchell (WR, Georgia): Caught 2 touchdown passes, including a crucial early score
Branson Robinson (RB, Georgia): Rushed for 2 touchdowns
Javon Bullard (S, Georgia): Key defensive playmaker with multiple tackles and pass deflections

Statistical Category	Georgia Bulldogs	TCU Horned Frogs
Points	65	7
Total Yards	683	294
Passing Yards	304	253
Rushing Yards	379	41
Time of Possession	37:48	22:12
Third-Down Conversions	9/14	3/12
Turnovers	0	2

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical dominance displayed by Georgia was comprehensive. Their 683 total yards were the second-most in any FBS game since 2000, while holding TCU to just 41 rushing yards exposed weaknesses in TCU’s offensive line. The zero turnovers and high third-down conversion rate underscored Georgia’s execution under pressure.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Georgia’s back-to-back national championships (2021 and 2022 seasons) mark the first time since Alabama in 2011–2012 that a team has repeated as champions in the modern playoff era. The 2023 win solidified Kirby Smart’s legacy as one of the premier coaches in college football.

Milestones Achieved

First team to score 60+ points in a national championship game
Most lopsided title game since 2002 Miami vs. Nebraska (65-7)
Second consecutive undefeated season (15-0 in 2022)
Third national title in program history (first since 1980 before 2021)

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 NCAA Football Championship

Who won the 2023 NCAA football national championship?

The Georgia Bulldogs won the 2023 NCAA Football National Championship by defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 65-7 on January 9, 2023. It was their second consecutive title and third in program history.

What was the final score of the 2023 college football championship game?

The final score was Georgia 65, TCU 7. It was one of the most one-sided results in national championship history.

Where was the 2023 NCAA football championship played?

The game was held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers.

Did Georgia complete an undefeated season in 2022?

Yes, Georgia finished the 2022 season with a perfect 15-0 record, culminating in their 65-7 victory over TCU in the national championship game.

How many times has TCU played in the national championship game?

The 2023 game was TCU’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship and the first national title game appearance in program history.