What Is 1966 small college football rankings

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1966 small college football rankings were determined by the Associated Press (AP) and NAIA, with North Dakota State crowned national champion after an 11-0 season. These rankings highlighted top-performing teams from NCAA College Division and NAIA programs.

Key Facts

North Dakota State finished 1966 with an undefeated 11-0 record and won the NAIA national title.
The 1966 small college rankings were primarily managed by the NAIA and the Associated Press.
Texas A&I defeated Dillard 37-0 in the 1966 NAIA championship game.
The NCAA College Division included schools with smaller athletic programs than Division I.
Luther College ranked #1 in the final 1966 NCAA College Division poll before the playoff structure.

Overview

The 1966 small college football rankings highlighted the top-performing teams in the NCAA College Division and the NAIA, which governed smaller collegiate programs distinct from major college football. These rankings were critical for recognition, postseason eligibility, and national titles in non-major college football circles.

Unlike today’s structured playoff systems, rankings in 1966 were determined by polls conducted by the Associated Press and the NAIA. The season culminated in multiple national champions due to separate governing bodies and selection processes.

North Dakota State completed a perfect 11-0 season and was crowned NAIA national champion, marking a historic year for the program.
Texas A&I defeated Dillard 37-0 in the 1966 NAIA Championship game, securing their second consecutive national title.
Luther College finished #1 in the final NCAA College Division poll, despite not participating in a formal playoff tournament.
The Associated Press released weekly rankings throughout the season, influencing public perception and postseason invitations.
College Division included over 200 schools that did not compete in the NCAA University Division, now known as Division I.

How It Works

The 1966 small college football rankings were determined through a combination of polls, bowl results, and governing body decisions. Unlike modern playoff formats, selection relied heavily on reputation, win-loss records, and media voting.

AP Poll: The Associated Press conducted a weekly ranking of small college teams based on votes from sportswriters across the U.S.; teams like North Dakota State rose steadily through undefeated seasons.
NAIA Championship: The NAIA operated a 16-team playoff tournament; Texas A&I won the 1966 title by defeating Dillard 37-0 in the final held in Sacramento, California.
NCAA College Division: This division included schools too small or underfunded for University Division play; Luther College was voted #1 in the final poll despite no playoff system.
Win-Loss Record: Undefeated seasons, such as North Dakota State’s 11-0, heavily influenced rankings and national recognition for small colleges.
Regional Strength: Teams from the Midwest and Texas dominated the rankings due to strong regional conferences and consistent performance against ranked opponents.
Postseason Bowls: Some teams participated in invitationals like the Mineral Water Bowl, which helped boost visibility and final ranking positions.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top-ranked small college teams in 1966 based on final polls and postseason results:

Team	Record	Final Ranking	Championship Result	Conference
North Dakota State	11-0	#1 (NAIA)	NAIA Champions	North Central
Texas A&I	10-1	#2 (NAIA)	Won NAIA Title	Lone Star
Luther College	8-0	#1 (NCAA)	No playoff	IIAC
Delaware State	8-1	#3 (NCAA)	Postseason bowl	Independent
Carleton College	7-1	#5 (NCAA)	Ranked post-bowl	Midwest

The table illustrates how different governing bodies produced multiple champions. North Dakota State and Texas A&I both claimed national recognition through NAIA success, while Luther’s undefeated NCAA season earned top billing in its division. The lack of a unified playoff system led to split titles and ongoing debates about legitimacy.

Why It Matters

The 1966 small college football rankings are historically significant for shaping modern Division II and Division III structures and highlighting powerhouse programs that remain prominent today. These rankings also underscored the need for a more standardized national championship format.

Program Legacy: Schools like North Dakota State used 1966 success as a foundation for future dominance, eventually moving to Division I FCS.
Recruitment Boost: High rankings increased visibility, helping small colleges attract better athletes despite limited scholarships.
Media Influence: The AP Poll played a major role in shaping public opinion, proving that media recognition could elevate small programs.
Postseason Evolution: The fragmented system in 1966 led the NCAA to develop formal playoffs for lower divisions by the 1970s.
Historical Benchmark: The 1966 season is used to compare eras and measure program growth over decades.
Regional Pride: Championships brought prestige to small towns and state universities, fostering long-term fan support and alumni engagement.

Ultimately, the 1966 rankings represent a pivotal moment in college football history, illustrating how smaller institutions competed for national respect long before the current playoff era.