| Year: | 1979 |
| Team: | Central State Bronchos |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Record: | 11–2 |
| Head Coach: | Gary Howard |
| Hc Year: | 3rd |
| Stadium: | Wantland Stadium |
| Bowl: | NAIA Division I Championship |
| Bowl Result: | L 14–20 vs. Texas A&I |
The 1979 Central State Bronchos football team represented Central State University (OK) (now University of Central Oklahoma) during the 1979 NAIA Division I football season, and completed the 74th season of Broncho football. The Bronchos played their home games at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma, which has been Central's home stadium since 1965.[1] The 1979 team returned to the NAIA after a brief stint in NCAA Division II. The 1979 team was led by coach Gary Howard in his third season. The team finished the regular season with a 9–1 record and made the program's third appearance in the NAIA playoffs after and first since 1972. The Bronchos advanced to the National Championship Game where they lost to the Texas A&I Javelinas 20–14.[2]
The NAIA recognized running back, Steve Tate, center Kirk Condry, and quarter back Scott Burger as second team All-Americans.[3]
See main article: 1980 NFL draft. The following Broncho was selected in the National Football League draft following the season.[4]
| 11 | 299 | Terry Jones | Defensive end | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |