What Is 1972 small college football rankings

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1972 small college football rankings were determined by the Associated Press (AP) and ranked teams in the NCAA College Division, which later became Division II. The final AP poll crowned Louisiana Tech as national champion with a perfect 12–0 record.

Key Facts

Louisiana Tech finished 12–0 and was ranked No. 1 in the final 1972 small college poll
The AP ranked 20 teams in its final 1972 small college football poll
North Dakota State finished No. 2 with an 11–1 record
The NCAA College Division was restructured into Divisions II and III in 1973
1972 marked the last year of the 'small college' designation before reclassification

Overview

The 1972 small college football rankings referred to the national standings for teams competing in the NCAA College Division, which encompassed non-major programs not part of the University Division (now Division I). These rankings were compiled by the Associated Press (AP) and released weekly during the season, culminating in a final poll after the postseason.

The system distinguished smaller institutions from larger, scholarship-heavy programs. The 1972 season was particularly notable as it was the final year before the NCAA restructured the College Division into Divisions II and III starting in 1973, making these rankings a transitional benchmark in college football history.

Louisiana Tech completed a perfect 12–0 season and was voted No. 1 in the final AP small college poll.
North Dakota State finished second in the final rankings with an 11–1 record after losing in the Pioneer Bowl.
The AP released weekly top 20 rankings throughout the 1972 season, updated based on results and voter input.
Teams from 17 states appeared in the poll at various points, reflecting broad regional participation.
The final poll was published in December 1972, following the conclusion of postseason bowl games.

How It Works

The small college rankings were determined through a voting system managed by sportswriters and broadcasters across the United States. Voters submitted ballots ranking their top teams, and points were tallied to determine the national standings.

AP Poll: The Associated Press conducted a weekly poll of journalists who ranked the top 20 small college teams. Final rankings were based on season performance and strength of schedule.
College Division: This NCAA classification included schools that did not compete in the University Division (now FBS). It was replaced in 1973 by Divisions II and III.
Voting System: Each first-place vote was worth 20 points, second-place 19, and so on. The total points determined team placement in the rankings.
Postseason Impact: Bowl results, including the Pioneer Bowl and Mineral Water Bowl, influenced final rankings and national title considerations.
Eligibility: Teams had to be members of the NCAA College Division and not field a scholarship-heavy program typical of major college football.
Transparency: Polls were published in newspapers nationwide, with voter rationale typically limited, though debates over rankings were common.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams in the final 1972 AP small college football poll:

Rank	Team	Record	Final Points	Bowl Result
1	Louisiana Tech	12–0	198	Won Grantland Rice Bowl
2	North Dakota State	11–1	176	Lost Pioneer Bowl
3	Montana	10–2	154	Won Camellia Bowl
4	Delaware	10–2	142	Lost Knute Rockne Bowl
5	Western Kentucky	10–2	138	Won Tangerine Bowl

This table highlights how undefeated records and postseason success influenced final rankings. Louisiana Tech’s dominance was reflected in both their perfect season and high point total. While Montana, Delaware, and Western Kentucky had identical 10–2 records, bowl outcomes and regional strength contributed to their placement. The close point totals between teams ranked 3 to 5 indicate a competitive field beneath the top two.

Why It Matters

The 1972 small college football rankings hold historical significance as the last national standings before the NCAA’s major reclassification. They captured the final chapter of a unified College Division and highlighted emerging programs that would go on to achieve prominence in Division II.

Historical Transition: The 1972 rankings were the last under the College Division format before the 1973 split into Divisions II and III.
Program Recognition: Louisiana Tech’s No. 1 ranking elevated its national profile and helped it transition to Division I in later years.
Bowl Legacy: The Grantland Rice Bowl and other small college bowls served as key determinants in final rankings and team legacy.
Regional Equity: Teams from the South, Midwest, and West all appeared, showing balanced competition across regions.
Media Influence: The AP poll played a crucial role in shaping public perception and postseason invitations for small college teams.
Foundation for D-II: The rankings provided a competitive framework that informed the structure of the new Division II in 1973.

The 1972 season thus stands as a pivotal moment in college football history, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another for non-major programs across the country.