1981 Virginia Union Panthers football team

The 1981 Virginia Union Panthers football team represented Virginia Union University as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) during the 1981 NCAA Division II football season. Led by 11th-year head coach Willard Bailey, the Panthers compiled an overall record of 11–1 and a mark of 7–0 in conference play, and finished as CIAA champion after they defeated in the first CIAA Championship Game. Virginia Union finished their season with a loss against in the Division II playoffs. At the conclusion of the season, the Panthers were also recognized as black college national champion.