| Year: | 1987 |
| Team: | Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Aprank: | 17 |
| Record: | 8–4 |
| Hc Year: | 2nd |
| Dc Year: | 2nd |
| Captain2: | Byron Spruell |
| Stadium: | Notre Dame Stadium (c. 59,075, grass) |
| Bowl Result: | L 10–35 vs. Texas A&M |
The 1987 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. Tony Rice became the starting quarterback for Notre Dame following an injury to Terry Andrysiak. The Irish would finish the season 8–4 and earn a berth to the Cotton Bowl Classic.
See also: 1987 Michigan Wolverines football team and Michigan–Notre Dame football rivalry.
Terry Andrysiak completed 11 of 15 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown while Notre Dame converted four of Michigan's seven turnovers into scores.
See also: 1987 Michigan State Spartans football team and Michigan State–Notre Dame football rivalry.
See also: 1987 Miami Hurricanes football team.
The following players were drafted into professional football following the season.
| Player | Position | Round | Pick | Franchise |
| Tim Brown | Wide Receiver | 1 | 6 | Los Angeles Raiders |
| Tom Redehr | Tackle | 3 | 69 | New England Patriots |
| Chuck Lanza | Center | 3 | 70 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Cedric Figaro | Linebacker | 6 | 152 | San Diego Chargers |
| Brandy Wells | Defensive Back | 9 | 226 | Cincinnati Bengals |