1981 Chico State Wildcats football team

The 1981 Chico State Wildcats football team represented California State University, Chico as a member of the Far Western Conference (FWC) during the 1981 NCAA Division II football season. Led by eighth-year head coach Dick Trimmer, Chico State compiled an overall record of 5–5 with a mark of 3–2 in conference play, tying for third place in the FWC. The team was outscored by its opponents 200 to 181 for the season. The Wildcats played home games at University Stadium in Chico, California.