The 1986 Iowa Hawkeyes football team was an American football team that represented the University of Iowa as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their eighth year under head coach Hayden Fry, the Hawkeyes compiled a 9âÂÂ3 record (5âÂÂ3 in conference games), tied for third place in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a total of 352 to 176. The Hawekeys defeated No. 17 Michigan State, but lost to No. 4 Michigan and No. 17 Ohio State. They concluded the season with a victory over San Diego State in the 1986 Holiday Bowl. They were ranked No. 15 in the findal UPI poll and No. 16 in the final AP poll.
The team played its home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
The victory over Iowa State was Hayden Fry's 53rd at Iowa, making him the winningest coach in Iowa history. Jim Mauro had three receiving touchdowns and Rob Houghtlin kicked three field goals to lead the Hawks. The Hawkeye defense limited Iowa State to 125 yards of total offense.
Three Iowa running backs scored two touchdowns each as the Hawkeyes dominated the Huskies in this quick-moving game. For the second straight week, Iowa's opponent scored with just over a minute remaining in the game to avoid a shutout. Iowa held Northern Illinois to 159 yards of total offense.
Three Hawkeyes scored two touchdowns each and the Iowa defense gave up just 150 yards in this route of UTEP.