The 1986 Baylor Bears football team represented Baylor University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by 15th-year head coach Grant Teaff, the Bears compiled an overall record of 9âÂÂ3 with a mark of 6âÂÂ2 in conference play, tying for second place in the SWC. Baylor was invited to the Bluebonnet Bowl, where the Bears defeated Colorado. The team played home games at Baylor Stadium in Waco, Texas.
The Bears offense scored 325 points, while the Bears defense allowed 207 points. In the Battle of the Brazos, Texas Football magazine voted the 1986 football game between Baylor and Texas A&M the outstanding game of the Southwest Conference of the 1980s. Texas A&M overcame a 17âÂÂ0 deficit, and won the game, 31âÂÂ30, and later won the SWC title and earned a berth in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
Visiting USC stunned the No. 9 Bears on a 32-yard field goal on the final play. Baylor dominated the game statistically, outgaining USC 408-197, holding a 26-11 advantage is first downs (including not allowing USC a first down through three quarters), and maintaining a 15-minute advantage in time of possession (37:47 to 22:13). Mirroring the result of last year's matchup, the unranked road team knocked off the host with an AP top ten ranking.
The following players were drafted into professional football following the season.