| Year: | 1986 |
| Team: | Nicholls State Colonels |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Gulf Star Conference |
| Short Conf: | Gulf Star |
| Record: | 10–3 |
| Conf Record: | 2–2 |
| Head Coach: | Sonny Jackson |
| Hc Year: | 6th |
| Stadium: | John L. Guidry Stadium |
| Bowl: | NCAA Division I-AA Second Round |
| Bowl Result: | L 31–55 vs. Georgia Southern |
The 1986 Nicholls State Colonels football team represented Nicholls State University as a member of the Gulf Star Conference during the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by sixth-year head coach Sonny Jackson, the Colonels compiled an overall record of 10–3 with a mark of 2–2 in conference play, placing in a three-way tie for second in the Gulf State. Nicholls State advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship playoffs, beating Appalachian State in the first round before losing to the eventual national champion, Georgia Southern in the quarterfinals.[1] The team played home games at John L. Guidry Stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana.