1996 NAIA Division I football season
The 1996 NAIA Division I football season, as part of the 1996 college football season in the United States and the 41st season of college football sponsored by the NAIA, was the 27th season of play of the NAIA's top division for football. The NAIA reverted to a single division for its football championship in 1997.
The regular season was played from August to November 1996. The 1996 NAIA Division I Football Championship Series then concluded with the 1996 NAIA Champion Bowl, played that year on December 7, 1996 at Milam Stadium in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
Southwestern Oklahoma State defeated Montana Tech in the Champion Bowl, 33–31, to win their first NAIA national title.Conference standings
Conference champions
Postseason
Bracket