1988 East Texas State Lions football team

The 1988 East Texas State Lions football team represented East Texas State University—now known as Texas A&M University–Commerce—as a member of the Lone Star Conference (LSC) during the 1988 NCAA Division II football season. Led by third-year head coach Eddie Vowell, the Lions compiled an overall record of 8–3 with a mark of 5–2 in conference play, trying for second place in the LSC. East Texas State began the season at 8–1 and reached as high as No. 2 in the NCAA Division II rankings before losing their final two games. It was Vowell's first winning season as head coach and the program's the first winning season since 1983. The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Commerce, Texas.

All-Americans

 * Kit Morton, First Team Defensive End
 * Gary Compton, Honorable Mention Receiver

LSC First Team

 * Mike Ciszewski, Linebacker
 * Gary Compton, Tight End/Receiver
 * Kerry Shelton, Free Safety

LSC Second Team

 * Jeff Dotie, Receiver
 * Kit Morton, Defensive End
 * Jarrod Owens, Running Back
 * Allen Roulette, Offensive Tackle
 * Steve Sellers, Offensive Lineman
 * Mike Trigg, Quarterback

LSC Honorable Mention

 * Gary DeVaughn, Defensive Line
 * Kevin Hedges, Offensive Tackle
 * Lee Hucklebridge, Defensive Line
 * Jeff Manuel, Safety
 * Aaron Muehlstein, Defensive Back
 * Ronnie Prater, Wide Receiver
 * Shane Summers, Punter
 * John Varnell, Center