| Year: | 1980 |
| Team: | Elon Fightin' Christians |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | South Atlantic Conference |
| Short Conf: | SAC |
| Record: | 13–1 |
| Conf Record: | 6–1 |
| Head Coach: | Jerry Tolley |
| Hc Year: | 4th |
| Champion: | NAIA Division I national champion SAC co-champion |
| Bowl: | NAIA Division I Championship Game |
| Bowl Result: | W 17–10 vs. |
The 1980 Elon Fightin' Christians football team was an American football team that represented Elon University of Elon, North Carolina, as a member of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) during the 1980 NAIA Division I football season. In their fourth year under head coach Jerry Tolley, the Christians compiled a 13–1 record (6–1 against SAC opponents) and tied for the SAC championship.[1]
The team lost the second game of the season at, but then won the remaining 12 games of the season.[1] The team advanced to the NAIA Division I playoffs, defeating (17–14) in the quarterfinals, East Texas State (14–6) in the semifinals, and (17–10) in the national championship game.
Running back Bobby Hedrick rushed for 1,394 yards in the regular season[2] – 1,793 yards with three post-season games included. He set Elon's all-time rushing record with 5,603 rushing yards in four years.[3] He was also a first-team pick on the 1980 Little All-America college football team.
Tight end Joey Hackett went on to play in the NFL.[4] John Bangley was the quarterback.[5]