In operation 1956–present Television partner(s) ESPN3 Current champion Saint Francis (IN) (1) | Number of playoff teams 16 Most playoff championships Texas A&I (7) | |
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Preceded by Small college polls &
NAIA Division II Championship | ||
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Football National Championship is decided by a post-season playoff system featuring the best NAIA college football teams in the United States. Under sponsorship of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the championship game has been played annually since 1956. In 1970, NAIA football was divided into two divisions, Division I and Division II, with a championship game played in each division. In 1997, NAIA football was again consolidated into one division. The game is currently played at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Contents
Texas A&I (now known as Texas A&M–Kingsville) have been the most prolific program with seven NAIA championships. Carroll (MT) are the most successful team still playing at the NAIA level, with 6 national titles.
Saint Francis (IN) are the current champions, having defeated Baker in the 2016 championship, 38-17.
Game name
Over the years, the NAIA championship games were played under a variety of names:
The separate NAIA Division II Football National Championship was played between 1970 and 1996, when there were two divisions at the NAIA level.