[1] The Knute K. Rockne Trophy was presented at the end of the season to the team deemed to be the national champion using the Dickinson System, a rating system developed by Frank G. Dickinson, a professor of economics of the University of Illinois.
[2] However, USC was recognized as the 1932 national champion in several other rankings, including Berryman, Billingsley, Boand, Dunkel, College Football Researchers Association, Helms, Houlgate, National Championship Foundation, Poling, and Williamson.
[3] Tackle Ernie Smith was a consensus first-team pick for the 1932 All-America team.
Guard Aaron Rosenberg was also selected as a first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and Liberty magazine.
Six USC players were selected as first-team players on the 1932 All-Pacific Coast football team: Ernie Smith (AP-1; NEA-1; UP-1); Rosenberg (AP-1; NEA-1); Tay Brown at tackle (AP-1; NEA-1; UP-1); Orville Mohler at quarterback (NEA-1; UP-1); Homer Griffith at quarterback (AP-1); and Ray Sparling at end (NEA-1).