The 1972 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina as an independent in the 1972 NCAA University Division football season. Led by seventh-year head coach Paul Dietzel, the Gamecocks compiled a record of 4âÂÂ7. The team played home games at WilliamsâÂÂBrice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.
For the first time since 1953, the Gamecocks did not play Duke, Maryland and North Carolina. South Carolina withdrew from the Atlantic Coast Conference following the 1970 football season, but played all seven ACC teams in 1971 to honor existing contracts.
South Carolina's home stadium was officially renamed from Carolina Stadium to WilliamsâÂÂBrice Stadium in dedication ceremonies during the season-opening game against Virginia on September 9, 1972.