| Year: | 1986 |
| Team: | Kent State Golden Flashes |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Mid-American Conference |
| Short Conf: | MAC |
| Record: | 5–6 |
| Conf Record: | 5–3 |
| Head Coach: | Glen Mason |
| Hc Year: | 1st |
| Stadium: | Dix Stadium |
The 1986 Kent State Golden Flashes football team was an American football team that represented Kent State University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their first season under head coach Glen Mason, the Golden Flashes compiled a 5–6 record (5–3 against MAC opponents), finished in a tie for second place in the MAC, and were outscored by all opponents by a combined total of 288 to 179.[1] [2]
The team's statistical leaders included Patrick Young with 779 rushing yards and 756 passing yards, and Eric Dye with 425 receiving yards.[3] [4] Defensive back Stuart Sims was selected as a first-team All-MAC player.[5]