The national champion(s) for each season were determined by the final poll rankings, published at or near the end of the regular season, before any bowl games were played.
In 1970, both UPI and AP ranked Arkansas State (10–0) number one.
[1][2] The 34 coaches on the UPI board ranked Tampa second, followed by Montana, while the AP panel ranked Montana second, followed by North Dakota State.
United Press International (coaches) final poll Published on December 2[4] Associated Press (writers) final poll Published on December 3[5][6] †Includes NAIA playoff win
The postseason consisted of four bowl games as regional finals, all played on December 12.