1972 California Golden Bears football team

The 1972 California Golden Bears football team was an American football team that represented the University of California, Berkeley in the Pacific-8 Conference (Pac-8) during the 1972 NCAA University Division football season. In their first year under head coach Mike White, the Golden Bears compiled a 3–8 record (3–4 in Pac-8, fifth) and were outscored 314 to 228. Home games were played on campus at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California.

California's statistical leaders on offense were sophomore quarterback Steve Bartkowski with 944 passing yards, Steve Kemnitzer with 434 rushing yards, and Steve Sweeney with 785 receiving yards.

Stanford

 * 75th meeting between the schools
 * Steve Sweeney set single season conference record for receiving touchdowns, tied the single season school record and set the school career record for receptions.