1986 Michigan State Spartans football team

The 1986 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fourth season under head coach George Perles, the Spartans compiled a 6–5 overall record (4–4 against Big Ten opponents) and finished in fifth place in the Big Ten Conference.

Six Spartans were recognized by the Associated Press (AP) and/or the United Press International (UPI) on the 1984 All-Big Ten Conference football team: receivers Andre Rison (AP-1; UPI-1) and Mark Ingram Sr. (AP-2); defensive linemen John Budde (AP-2) and Mark Nichols (AP-2); linebacker Shane Bullough (AP-2; UPI-1); and punter Greg Montgomery (AP-1; UPI-1).

Purdue
Lorenzo White rushed for 79 yards on 19 carries in part-time duty in return from injury while the Spartans' defense intercepted four passes. White ran for first half touchdowns of three and one yards, respectively.