In its 12th season under head coach Don James, the team compiled an 8–3–1 record, finished in a tie for second place in the Pacific-10 Conference, and outscored its opponents by a combined total of 378 to 197.

[1] Reggie Rogers was selected as the team's most valuable player.

Rogers, Kevin Gogan, Rod Jones, Rick Fenney, Steve Alvord, and Tim Peoples were the team captains.

Jeff Jaeger set NCAA career record for field goals made.

This college football 1980s season article is a stub.