The 1981 Sacramento State Hornets football team represented California State University, Sacramento as a member of the Far Western Conference (FWC) during the 1981 NCAA Division II football season.
Led by fourth-year head coach Bob Mattos, Sacramento State compiled an overall record of 5–6 with a mark of 1–4 in conference play, placing fifth in the FWC.
The team outscored its opponents 256 to 186 for the season.
The Hornets played home games at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento, California.
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