The 1986 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State University as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) during the 1986 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by first-year head coach Denny Stolz, the Aztecs compiled an overall record of 8–4 with a mark of 7–1 conference play, winning the WAC title. San Diego State earned a berth in the Holiday Bowl, where the Aztecs lost to Iowa. The team played home games at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego.