The 1972 Wisconsin Badgers football team was an American football team that represented the University of Wisconsin as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1972 Big Ten season. In their third year under head coach John Jardine, the Badgers compiled a 4âÂÂ7 record (2âÂÂ6 in conference games), finished in ninth place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 229 to 152.
The Badgers gained an average of 117.5 passing yards and 200.0 rushing yards per game. On defense, they gave up an average of 102.3 passing yards and 249.6 rushing yards per game. The team's individual statistical leaders included: quarterback Rudy Steiner (1,080 passing yards); running back Rufus Ferguson (1,004 rushing yards); and running back Jeff Mack (27 receptions for 528 yards).
Dave Lokanc and Keith Nosbusch were the team captains. Rufus Ferguson was selected as the team's most valuable player. Four Wisconsin players received first- or second-team All-Big Ten honors from the Associated Press (AP) or United Press International (UPI): Ferguson at running back (AP-1, UPI-2); Lokanc at linebacker (AP-1, UPI-2); and Nosbusch at offensive guard (AP-2, UPI-2); and Mike Webster at center (UPI-2).
The Badgers played their home games at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
The following Wisconsin players were selected in the 1973 NFL draft.