What Is 1970 small college football rankings

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1970 small college football rankings were determined by the Associated Press (AP) and NCAA, ranking teams from NCAA College Division (now Division II and III). Texas A&I topped the final AP poll with a 12–1 record after winning the NAIA national championship.

Key Facts

Texas A&I was ranked No. 1 in the final 1970 small college football poll by the AP
The 1970 season featured 12 official rankings released by the Associated Press
Texas A&I won the NAIA national championship, defeating Linfield 42–13 in the Holiday Bowl
North Dakota State finished No. 2 in the final AP small college poll
The NCAA College Division included schools now classified as Division II and III

Overview

The 1970 small college football rankings tracked the performance of teams competing in the NCAA College Division, which encompassed institutions smaller than those in the University Division (now FBS). These rankings were primarily compiled by the Associated Press (AP) through weekly polls during the season, culminating in a final national ranking after postseason play.

Small college football in 1970 included programs from the NAIA and NCAA College Division, which later split into NCAA Division II and Division III. The rankings helped determine national recognition and postseason eligibility, especially for teams outside the major college spotlight.

Texas A&I: Finished the season ranked No. 1 in the final AP small college poll after a 12–1 record and NAIA national title win.
North Dakota State: Ended the season at No. 2 in the final AP rankings with a 9–1 record, representing strong Division II competition.
Linfield College: Ranked No. 3 before losing to Texas A&I in the 1970 Holiday Bowl, the de facto NAIA championship game.
Associated Press: Released 12 weekly polls during the 1970 season, tracking shifts in team performance and public perception.
Postseason Structure: The NAIA Championship and NCAA College Division playoffs helped validate the final rankings with on-field results.

How It Works

The 1970 small college football rankings were determined through a combination of media voting, win-loss records, and postseason outcomes. The AP poll served as the primary national ranking system, reflecting opinions from sportswriters across the country.

AP Poll: A panel of media voters selected rankings weekly based on team performance, strength of schedule, and national reputation.
College Division: The NCAA’s classification for smaller institutions before the 1973 split into Divisions II and III.
NAIA Inclusion: The AP poll included NAIA members like Texas A&I, which won the 1970 national title despite NCAA affiliation differences.
Win-Loss Record: Teams needed a strong record, such as North Dakota State’s 9–1, to remain in the top rankings.
Postseason Results: Performance in bowl games or championships, like the Holiday Bowl, heavily influenced final rankings.
Regional Bias: Some voters favored teams from traditional small-college powers in Texas, the Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams in the final 1970 small college football AP poll:

Rank	Team	Record	Final Poll Source	Postseason Result
1	Texas A&I	12–1	AP Poll	Won NAIA Championship (42–13 vs. Linfield)
2	North Dakota State	9–1	AP Poll	Did not qualify for postseason
3	Linfield	10–1	AP Poll	Lost NAIA Championship to Texas A&I
4	Montana State–Northern	9–1	AP Poll	Won District 12 title
5	Carson–Newman	9–1	AP Poll	Won Smoky Mountain Bowl

The table highlights how postseason success, particularly Texas A&I’s dominant win in the Holiday Bowl, solidified its No. 1 status. While North Dakota State had a stellar season, lack of a postseason game limited its exposure. Teams like Carson–Newman and Linfield used strong regional performances to climb national rankings. The consistency of 9–1 and 10–1 records among top teams underscores the competitive balance in small college football that year. These rankings remain a historical benchmark for programs now competing in NCAA Division II.

Why It Matters

The 1970 small college football rankings offer insight into the evolution of lower-division college football and how national recognition was awarded before modern playoff systems. These rankings helped elevate programs and influenced scholarship decisions, conference alignments, and media coverage.

Historical Benchmark: The 1970 rankings serve as a reference point for program legacy, especially for schools like Texas A&I (now Texas A&M–Kingsville).
Recruiting Tool: A top-10 finish enhanced a school’s reputation, aiding in recruiting athletes nationwide.
Media Influence: The AP poll demonstrated the growing power of national media in shaping college sports narratives.
Division Realignment: The 1970 season occurred just before the 1973 NCAA split, making it a transitional year.
Championship Validation: Texas A&I’s title win proved that on-field results could confirm poll rankings.
Regional Growth: Strong showings by schools from North Dakota, Oregon, and Tennessee highlighted geographic diversity in talent.

Understanding the 1970 rankings helps contextualize the development of modern Division II and III football. They reflect a time when smaller schools could achieve national prominence through consistent performance and postseason success, laying the foundation for today’s competitive landscape.