The 1987 Western Illinois Leathernecks football team represented Western Illinois University as a member of the Gateway Collegiate Athletic Conference (GCAC) during the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA football season.
Led by fifth-year head coach Bruce Craddock, the Leathernecks compiled an overall record of 7–4, with a mark of 5–1 in conference play, and finished second in the GCAC.
The Leathernecks came within one loss, to Northern iowa, of winning the conference championship and making the national playoffs.
The Leathernecks lost on a last second field goal to nationally ranked Division 1 Fresno State.
Senior linebacker Marty Lomalino led the team in tackles and was named an All-American.