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, where they won 28–12 against the Texas A&M Aggies.

[3] at Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana

Dave Brown's interception return set a Big Ten record for longest in a single game.

Matt Frantz missed a 45-yard field goal that would have given Ohio State the lead with 1:01 remaining in the game.