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 college football season. In their first year under head coach Mike White, the Golden Bears compiled a 3–8 record (3–4 against Pac-8 opponents), finished in fifth place in the Pac-8, and were outscored by their opponents by a combined total of 314 to 228.

The team's statistical leaders included Steve Bartkowski with 944 passing yards, Steve Kemnitzer with 434 rushing yards, and Steve Sweeney with 785 receiving yards.