MacArthur Bowl Winners Winners

| Season | Team | Conference | Head_Coach | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Nebraska | Big 8 | Bob Devaney | 13-0 |
| 1972 | USC | Pac-8 | John McKay | 12-0 |
| 1973 | Notre Dame | Independent | Ara Parseghian | 11-0 |
| 1974 | USC | Pac-8 | John McKay | 10-1-1 |
| 1975 | Oklahoma | Big 8 | Barry Switzer | 11-1 |
| 1976 | Pittsburgh | Independent | Johnny Majors | 12-0 |
| 1977 | Notre Dame | Independent | Dan Devine | 11-1 |
| 1978 | Alabama | SEC | Bear Bryant | 11-1 |
| 1979 | Alabama | SEC | Bear Bryant | 12-0 |
| 1980 | Georgia | SEC | Vince Dooley | 12-0 |
| 1981 | Clemson | ACC | Danny Ford | 12-0 |
| 1982 | Penn State | Independent | Joe Paterno | 11-1 |
| 1983 | Miami (FL) | Independent | Howard Schnellenberger | 11-1 |
| 1984 | BYU | WAC | LaVell Edwards | 12-0 |
| 1985 | Oklahoma | Big 8 | Barry Switzer | 11-1 |
| 1986 | Penn State | Independent | Joe Paterno | 12-0 |