The teams, as well as the programs for the Camp Grant, Iowa Naval Aviation Pre-Flight, and Great Lakes Naval Academy games are reminders of the impact of World War II, while other programs from that year might suggest "college life" continued uninterrupted.

Programs for the 1944-1947 seasons featured a photo of the team captain superimposed on a game action or stadium shot. The same cover image was used for an entire season. The 1948 season featured original artwork on each program. Well known illustrator Lon Keller, who also did the 1936 Michigan programs, designed four covers and Larry Tisdale one. Keller's cover for the Northwestern program, incorporating a photograph with a still-life referring to Michigan's Rose Bowl victory, marks a significant departure from his previous cover art. The 1949 Army game cover carried on the captain and action photo theme, featuring headshots of both captains and the Army color guard.