The 1987 season was the Golden Gophers' second season under head coach John Gutekunst. The Golden Gophers won six games and lost five. Total attendance for the season was 371,809, which averaged out to 55,116 per game. The season high for attendance was against rival Wisconsin. Rickey Foggie was awarded the Bronko Nagurski Award. Darrell Thompson was awarded the Bruce Smith Award. Jon Leverenz was awarded the Carl Eller Award. Chip Lohmiller was awarded the Bobby Bell Award. Linebacker Brian Bonner was awarded the Butch Nash Award. Offensive tackle Dan Rechtin was awarded the Paul Giel Award.