CiteDiv. 1–A Conference Champs
| Atlantic Coast | Maryland‡ | 5–0 |
| Big Eight | Nebraska | 7–0 |
| Big Ten | Illinois | 9–0 |
| Mid-American | Northern Illinois | 8–1 |
| Pacific Coast AA | Cal St.-Fullerton | 5–1 |
| Pacific-10 | UCLA | 6–1–1 |
| Southeastern | Auburn | 6–0 |
| Southwest | Texas | 8–0 |
| Western Athletic | BYU | 7–0 |
‡Clemson (7–0) on probation, ineligible for both ACC championship and bowl game.
| Bowl Games with Top 20 Teams | 1983 College Football Recap | Heisman Trophy Voting |