CiteDiv. 1–A Conference Champs
| Atlantic Coast | Clemson | 6–0 |
| Big Eight | Nebraska/Oklahoma | 6–1 |
| Big Ten | Michigan/Mich. St. | 7–1 |
| Mid-American | Ball St. | 8–0 |
| Pacific Coast AA | San Jose St./Utah St. | 4–1 |
| Pacific-10 | Southern Cal | 6–1 |
| Southeastern | Alabama | 6–0 |
| Southwest | Houston | 7–1 |
| Western Athletic | BYU | 5–1 |
| Bowl Games with Top 20 Teams | 1978 College Football Recap | Heisman Trophy Voting |