The 1986 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina as an independent during the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team played its home games at WilliamsâÂÂBrice Stadium. Led by fourth-year head coach Joe Morrison, the Gamecocks compiled a record of 3âÂÂ6âÂÂ2.
The Gamecocks' three wins were the fewest in two decades. However, South Carolina's "near misses" against Georgia, No. 3 Nebraska and No. 19 Clemson have been considered a preview to their stronger season in 1987.