The 1986 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota in the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their first full year under head coach John Gutekunst, the Golden Gophers compiled a 6–6 record and were outscored by their opponents by a combined total of 316 to 261.[1] The team went to a second straight bowl game for the second time in school history (the first being the 1961 and 1962 Rose Bowls).[2]
Freshman tailback Darrell Thompson was named the Big Ten's freshman of the year.[3] Thompson and kicker Chip Lohmiller were named All-Big Ten first team.[3] Center Ray Hitchcock, Safety Larry Joyner and offensive linemen Jim Hobbins and Troy Wolkow were named All-Big Ten second team.[3] Offensive lineman Paul Anderson, punter Brent Herbel and offensive lineman Jim Hobbins were named Academic All-Big Ten.[4]
Darrell Thompson was awarded the Bronko Nagurski Award and Bruce Smith Award.[5] Linebacker Mark Dusbabek was awarded the Carl Eller Award.[5] Chip Lohmiller was awarded the Bobby Bell Award.[5] Offensive tackle Anthony Burke was awarded the Butch Nash Award.[5] Offensive tackle Norries Wilson was awarded the Paul Giel Award.[5]
Total attendance for the season was 335,150, which averaged out to 55,858 per game. The season high for attendance was against rival Iowa.[6]
