Led by fourth-year head coach Pete Riehlman, Chico State compiled an overall record of 9–2 with a mark of 5–1 in conference play, sharing the FWC title with UC Davis.
At the end of the regular season, the Aggies were invited to play in the Camellia Bowl, where they lost to Boise State, 32–28.
This was the only postseason bowl game in the history of the Chico State Wildcats football program.
The Wildcats played home games at College Field in Chico, California.
[7] The following Chico State players were selected in the 1972 NFL draft.