| Year: | 1972 |
| Team: | Penn State Nittany Lions |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Coachrank: | 8 |
| Aprank: | 10 |
| Record: | 10–2 |
| Hc Year: | 7th |
| Dc Year: | 7th |
| Captain: | Gregg Ducatte |
| Captain2: | Jim Heller |
| Captain4: | Carl Schaukowitch |
| Bowl Result: | L 0–14 vs. Oklahoma |
The 1972 Penn State Nittany Lions represented Pennsylvania State University in the 1972 NCAA University Division football season. As a result of using ineligible players, the Oklahoma Sooners were ordered to forfeit seven wins from their 1972 season, including their on-field win over the Nittany Lions. However, Paterno and Penn State refused to accept the forfeit, and the bowl game is officially recorded as a loss.[1]
See main article: 1972 NCAA University Division football rankings.
Five Nittany Lions were drafted in the 1973 NFL draft.
| Round | Pick | Overall | Name | Position | Team | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd | 19 | 71 | Detroit Lions | |||
| 5th | 12 | 116 | New York Jets | |||
| 6th | 6 | 136 | Buffalo Bills | |||
| 14th | 10 | 348 | Denver Broncos | |||
| 15th | 17 | 381 | New York Giants |
Walter Camp Coach of the Year