What Is 1959 small college football rankings

Overview

The 1959 small college football rankings were designed to highlight top-performing teams from non-major college programs, primarily those competing outside the NCAA University Division (now FBS). These rankings were published weekly by the Associated Press (AP) and provided national recognition for schools in what is now considered NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA programs.

The rankings helped determine postseason eligibility and national prestige for smaller institutions. Texas A&I (now Texas A&M University–Kingsville) emerged as the top-ranked team after winning the NAIA national championship, finishing with a 12-1 record and a decisive victory in the title game.

• Texas A&I finished #1 in the final 1959 AP small college poll after winning the NAIA national championship with a 21-7 victory over Lenoir Rhyne on December 12, 1959.
• The AP small college poll included teams from the NAIA and NCAA College Division, which later evolved into NCAA Divisions II and III.
• Pittsburg State (Kansas) ended the season ranked #2 with an undefeated 11-0 record, despite not participating in a national championship game.
• The initial AP poll in September 1959 featured 32 ranked teams, reflecting the growing competitiveness of small college football programs.
• Only teams from institutions not classified as major college programs were eligible, excluding schools from the Big Ten, SEC, and other major conferences.

How It Works

The AP small college football rankings were determined through a voting system involving sportswriters and broadcasters across the country. Each week, voters submitted ballots ranking the top 25 teams, and points were assigned based on placement to determine the national standings.

• Voting Panel: The AP rankings were determined by a panel of journalists who submitted weekly ballots; each first-place vote was worth 25 points, second-place 24, and so on.
• Eligibility: Teams from non-major college programs, including NAIA and NCAA College Division schools, were eligible, but major conference teams were excluded.
• Frequency: The AP released updated small college rankings every week during the season, starting in September and ending after the national championship game.
• Final Poll: The final 1959 poll was published in December after postseason results were factored in, with Texas A&I receiving the most first-place votes.
• Championship Recognition: The #1 ranked team was recognized as the national champion, though no official playoff system existed beyond the NAIA tournament.
• Historical Record: The AP rankings from 1959 are preserved in college football archives and used to determine all-time small college performance records.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams in the final 1959 small college football rankings based on record, ranking, and postseason outcome.

This table highlights how undefeated records and postseason success influenced final rankings. While Pittsburg State remained undefeated, Texas A&I's national championship victory gave them the edge for the top spot. Conference strength and national exposure also played roles in voter decisions, with teams from the NAIA receiving more attention due to the organized playoff structure.

Why It Matters

The 1959 small college football rankings were significant in shaping the future of lower-division college football, providing legitimacy and structure to programs outside the major college system. Recognition through the AP poll helped with recruiting, funding, and institutional pride.

• National Exposure: Being ranked in the AP poll brought media attention and helped small schools gain visibility across the country.
• Recruiting Boost: High rankings made it easier for programs like Texas A&I to attract top-tier high school talent.
• Postseason Influence: The rankings indirectly influenced NAIA playoff selections and seeding for national semifinals.
• Historical Legacy: The 1959 rankings are still referenced in college football record books and all-time small college standings.
• Program Growth: Success in 1959 led to increased funding and facility improvements at top-ranked schools.
• Precedent Setting: The AP small college poll laid the foundation for future NCAA Division II and Division III ranking systems.

These rankings underscored the importance of competitive balance in college football and demonstrated that excellence existed beyond the major conferences. The 1959 season remains a benchmark for small college football achievement.