The 1985 Western Illinois Leathernecks football team represented Western Illinois University as a member of the Gateway Collegiate Athletic Conference (GCAC) during the 1985 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by third-year head coach Bruce Craddock, the Leathernecks compiled an overall record of 5–5, with a mark of 2–3 in conference play, and finished tied for third in the GCAC. The Leathernecks started the season 1 - 4, then finished the season 5 - 1 after freshman quarterback Paul Singer became the starter in game 5. Singer finished the season as the highest rated freshman quarterback in the country. Senior Running back Jeff McKinney was named academic All-American, and senior Barry Woodruff was named honorable mention all American punter.