2018 McNeese State Cowboys football team

The 2018 McNeese State Cowboys football team represented McNeese State University as a member of the Southland Conference during the 2018 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by Lance Guidry in his third and final season as head caoach, the Cowboys compiled an overall record of 6–5 with a mark of 5–4 in conference play, placing in four-way tie for fourth in the Southland. McNeese State played home games at Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

On November 20, Guidry was fired. He finished his tenure at McNeese State with a three-year record of 21–12.

Preseason All-Conference Teams
On July 12, 2018, the Southland announced their Preseason All-Conference Teams, with the Cowboys having ten players selected.

Offense First Team
 * David Hamm – Sr. RB
 * Lawayne Ross – Jr. TE
 * Gunnar Raborn – Sr. K
 * Alex Kjellsten – Sr. P

Defense First Team
 * BJ Blunt – Sr. LB

Offense Second Team
 * James Tabary – Sr. QB
 * Grant Burguillos – Jr. OL

Defense Second Team
 * Chris Livings – Jr. DL
 * Darion Dunn – So. DB
 * Colby Burton – Jr. DB

Preseason poll
On July 19, 2018, the Southland announced their preseason poll, with the Cowboys predicted to finish in fourth place.