The 2016 Portland State Vikings football team represented Portland State University during the 2016 NCAA Division I FCS football season.

They were led by second-year head coach Bruce Barnum and played their home games at Providence Park.

On July 19, 2016, the Big Sky Conference released its preseason coaches' and media polls.

[1] [2] This matchup quickly became known for the controversial comments made by Coach Barnum leading up to the game when he said, referring to Cedar City, Utah (home of SUU), "I didn’t want to stay in Whoville.

SUU fans responded by setting a single-game attendance record, with many students carrying signs mocking Barnum's remarks.