The 1973 NAIA Division I football season was the 18th season of college football sponsored by the NAIA and the fourth season of the league's two-division structure.
The season was played from August to November 1973 and culminated in the 1973 NAIA Champion Bowl, played on December 8, 1973 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.
[1] Abilene Christian defeated Elon in the Champion Bowl, 42–14, to win their first NAIA national title.
[2]