1981 East Texas State Lions football team

The 1981 East Texas State Lions football team represented East Texas State University—now known as Texas A&M University–Commerce—as a member of the Lone Star Conference (LSC) during the 1981 NCAA Division II football season. Led by 18th-year head coach Ernest Hawkins, the Lions compiled an overall record of 7–4 with a mark of 4–3 in conference play, placing fifth in the LSC. East Texas State played home games at Memorial Stadium in Commerce, Texas.

All-Americans

 * Cary Noiel, First Team running back

LSC First Team

 * Cary Noiel, running back

LSC Second Team

 * Anthony Brock, linebacker
 * Frank Moore, tight end
 * Peter Roos, offensive tackle
 * Ted Sample, fullback
 * Darren Smith, defensive back
 * Randy Smith, tight end

LSC Honorable Mention

 * Blake Cooper, center
 * Randy Jones, punter
 * Kyle Mackey, quarterback