1985–86 Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team

The 1985–86 Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team represented the University of Louisville during the 1985–86 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, Louisville's 72nd season of intercollegiate competition. The Cardinals competed in the Metro Conference and were coached by Denny Crum. The team played home games at Freedom Hall.

The team compiled a 32–7 record and brought Louisville basketball their second NCAA national championship when they defeated Duke, 72–69.

Schedule and results
!colspan=9 style=| Regular Season

!colspan=9 style=| Metro Conference tournament

!colspan=9 style=| NCAA Tournament

Awards and honors

 * Billy Thompson, first team All-Metro Conference
 * Billy Thompson, AP honorable mention All-American
 * Billy Thompson, NCAA All-Tournament team
 * Billy Thompson, NCAA All-West regional
 * Milt Wagner, first team All-Metro Conference
 * Milt Wagner. AP honorable mention All-American
 * Pervis Ellison, Final Four Most Outstanding Player
 * Pervis Ellison, NCAA All-West regional
 * Pervis Ellison, Metro Conference Freshman of the Year
 * Pervis Ellison, second team All-Metro Conference
 * Herbert Crook, NCAA All-West regional
 * Tony Kimbro, Metro Conference All-Freshman team