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 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Abilene Christian defeated Elon in the Champion Bowl, 42–14, to win their first NAIA national title.