The 2016 Western Illinois Leathernecks football team represented Western Illinois University as member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) during the 2016 NCAA Division I FCS football season.

Led by first-year head coach Charlie Fisher, the Leathernecks compiled an overall record of 6–5 with a mark of 3–5 in conference play, tying for sixth place in the MVFC.

WIU quarterback Sean McGuire went 21 for 37 for 315 yards.

Wide receiver Joey Borsellino had nine catches for 148 yards.

This was Western's first-ever victory over an FBS team.