1971 Chico State Wildcats football team
The 1971 Chico State Wildcats football team represented Chico State College during the 1971 NCAA College Division football season. Chico State competed in the Far Western Conference in 1971. They played home games at College Field in Chico, California. This was the last year the stadium was named College Field. With the school's change to University status in 1972, the stadium was renamed "University Stadium". The 1971 Wildcats were led by fourth-year head coach Pete Riehlman. Chico State finished the regular season as co-champion of the FWC, with a record of  nine wins and one loss (9–1, 5–1 FWC). At the end of the season they were invited to play in the Camellia Bowl against Boise State. The Wildcats lost the game 28–32, giving them a final record of nine wins and two losses (9–2, 5–1 FWC). This would turn out to be the only end of season bowl game in which Chico State would participate. The Wildcats outscored their opponents 394–164 for the season. Team players in the NFL. The following Chico State players were selected in the 1972 NFL Draft.