Instead of using the polls to crown a national champion, 1973 was the first year for the Division II and III playoffs.
The 1973 Tennessee State Tigers football team (10–0) was rated No.
3 by the UPI and then defeated Western Kentucky in the NCAA Division II championship game.
5 by the UPI and went on to defeat Juniata in the NCAA Division III championship game/Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.
Jet magazine ranked the top 1973 teams from historically black colleges and universities based on a poll of coaches and conference commissioners.