National Champions: Louisiana State (AP, UPI), Iowa (FWAA)
Heisman Memorial Trophy: Pete Dawkins (Army)
FWAA Coach of the Year Award: Paul Dietzel (Louisiana State)
AP Preseason #1: Ohio State ▪ AP Final #1: Louisiana State
| Date | Bowl | Winner/Tie | Pts | Loser/Tie | Pts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959-01-01 | Cotton Bowl | Air Force | 0 | Texas Christian | 0 | Cotton Bowl (Dallas, TX) |
| 1959-01-01 | Orange Bowl | Oklahoma | 21 | Syracuse | 6 | Orange Bowl (Miami, FL) |
| 1959-01-01 | Rose Bowl | Iowa | 38 | California | 12 | Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA) |
| 1959-01-01 | Sugar Bowl | Louisiana State | 7 | Clemson | 0 | Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, LA) |
| 1958-12-31 | Sun Bowl | Wyoming | 14 | Hardin-Simmons | 6 | Sun Bowl (El Paso, TX) |
| 1958-12-27 | Gator Bowl | Mississippi | 7 | Florida | 3 | Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL) |
| 1958-12-27 | Tangerine Bowl | Texas A&M-Commerce | 26 | Missouri Valley | 7 | Tangerine Bowl (Orlando, FL) |
| 1958-12-13 | Bluegrass Bowl | Oklahoma State | 15 | Florida State | 6 | Bluegrass Bowl (Louisville, KY) |