The 1987 Bluffton University football team finished a superior season with an 8-1 record under the direction of head coach Carlin Carpenter. The 1987 squad was ranked No. 1 in the NAIA District 22 and No. 10 nationally, and it was the first football team to represent Bluffton in the national playoffs. The Beavers averaged 33 points per game and held their opponents to just 15 points a game. Between the 1987 and 1988 teams, more than 75 team and individual records were set at Bluffton, and three of the players continued their football careers by playing professionally in Europe and the United States. Coach Carpenter was recognized as Coach of Year and 10 players were named to the District 22 first team.
