ConferenceBig Ten Conference APNo. 7 Head coachEarle Bruce (8th year)
CoachesNo. 6 1986 record10–3 (7–1 Big Ten) MVPCris Carter
The 1986 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Buckeyes compiled a 10–3 record, including the 1987 Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas, Texas, where they won 28–12 against the Texas A&M Aggies.