The 1986 Lafayette Leopards football team was an American football team that represented Lafayette College during the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA football season. In the first year of play for the Colonial League, Lafayette tied for second place. In their sixth year under head coach Bill Russo, the Leopards compiled a 6–5 record. Charles Brantley, Ryan Priest and Chris Thatcher were the team captains. Lafayette's 2–2 conference record tied for second in the five-team Colonial League standings. Against all opponents, the Leopards were outscored 318 to 306.