The 1986 Fresno State Bulldogs football team represented California State University, Fresno as a member of the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA) during the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by ninth-year head coach Jim Sweeney, Fresno State compiled an overall record of 9–2 with a mark of 6–1 in conference play, placing second in the PCAA. The Bulldogs played their home games at Bulldog Stadium in Fresno, California.