The AP rankings were selected by a board of sports writers, and the UPI rankings were selected by a board of small-college coaches.
The 1972 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team (10–0), led by head coach Tubby Raymond, was rated No.
Louisiana Tech (12–0) and Cal Poly (8–1–1) were ranked No.
In 1973, season-ending playoffs were begun to determine a champion for "Division II".
The UPI and AP continued publishing "College Division" polls through the 1974 season.