The 1985 Arkansas State Indians football team represented Arkansas State University as a member of the Southland Conference during the 1985 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by seventh-year head coach Larry Lacewell, the Indians compiled an overall record of 9–4 with a mark of 5–1 in conference play, winnign the Southland title. Arkansas State advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship playoffs, where they defeated Grambling State in the first round and lost to Nevada in the quarterfinals.