2018 Western Illinois Leathernecks football team

The 2018 Western Illinois Leathernecks football team represented Western Illinois University in the 2018 NCAA Division I FCS football season. They were led by first-year head coach Jared Elliott and played their home games at Hanson Field. They were a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). They finished the season 5–6, 4–4 in MVFC play to finish in fifth place.

Preseason MVFC poll
The MVFC released their preseason poll on July 29, 2018, with the Leathernecks predicted to finish in seventh place.

Preseason All-MVFC Teams
The Leathernecks placed five at six positions players on the preseason all-MVFC teams.

Offense

2nd team

Sean McGuire – QB

Steve McShane – RB

Defense

1st team

Khalen Saunders – DL

Justin Fitzpatrick – DB

Steve McShane – RS

2nd team

Quentin Moon – DB

Schedule

 * Source: Schedule