October 4, 1983 AP Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska |
| 2 | Texas |
| 3 | Alabama |
| 4 | North Carolina |
| 5 | West Virginia |
| 6 | Ohio State |
| 7 | Auburn |
| 8 | Oklahoma |
| 9 | Florida |
| 10 | Arizona |
| 11 | Georgia |
| 12 | Miami, FL |
| 13 | SMU |
| 14 | Michigan |
| 15 | Iowa |
| 16 | Maryland |
| 16 | Washington |
| 18 | Arizona State |
| 19 | Illinois |
| 20 | BYU |