1981 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

The 1981 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 1981 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Gerry Faust was the new Notre Dame head coach. The offense scored 232 points, while the defense allowed 160 points. It was Notre Dame's first losing season in 18 years.

Team players drafted into the NFL

 * Bob Crable - 1982 / Round: 1 / Pick: 23 New York Jets
 * John Krimm - 1982 / Round: 3 / Pick: 76 New Orleans Saints
 * Phil Pozderac - 1982 / Round: 5 / Pick: 137 Dallas Cowboys