Founded as the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States in 1906, the NCAA adopted its current name in 1910.
Also included are teams from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, which has held its own football championship since 1956.
The inaugural NCAA Division II Football Championship was played in Sacramento, California in December 1973 following the 1973 NCAA Division II football season.
The inaugural NCAA Division III Football Championship was played in Phenix City, Alabama in December 1973 following the 1973 NCAA Division III football season.
The inaugural NCAA Division I Football Championship was played in Wichita Falls, Texas on December 16, 1978 following the 1978 NCAA Division I-AA football season.