The 1942 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota in the 1942 college football season. In their first year under head coach George Hauser, the Golden Gophers compiled a 5-4 record and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 152 to 91. Tackle Dick Wildung was named an All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Associated Press, Stern, Collier's/Grantland Rice, Look Magazine. Wildung was also named All-Big Ten first team. Dick Wildung was awarded the Team MVP Award.