1981 Akron Zips football team

The 1981 Akron Zips football team represented Akron University in the 1981 NCAA Division I-AA football season as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. Led by ninth-year head coach Jim Dennison, the Zips played their home games at the Rubber Bowl in Akron, Ohio. They finished the season with a record of 5–5 overall and 4–4 in OVC play to tie for fourth place.