| Year: | 1986 |
| Team: | Rutgers Scarlet Knights |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Record: | 5–5–1 |
| Head Coach: | Dick Anderson |
| Hc Year: | 3rd |
| Off Coach: | Dick Curl |
| Oc Year: | 4th |
| Def Coach: | Otto Kneidinger |
| Dc Year: | 2rd |
| Stadium: | Rutgers Stadium Giants Stadium |
The 1986 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represented Rutgers University in the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their third season under head coach Dick Anderson, the Scarlet Knights compiled a 5–5–1 record while competing as an independent and outscored their opponents 221 to 189.[1] [2] The team's statistical leaders included Scott Erney with 1,160 passing yards, Matt Prescott with 606 rushing yards, and Brian Cobb with 368s receiving yards.[3]