In their third season under head coach Len Casanova, the Broncos compiled a 7–2–1 record and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 228 to 153.
They played a schedule that included elite programs of the era, defeating Oklahoma and Stanford and playing a tie against Michigan State.
(Oklahoma won 31 straight games after the loss to Santa Clara.)
Santa Clara's sole losses in 1948 were to California and No.
26 in the final Litkenhous Difference by Score System ratings for 1948.