| Year: | 1981 |
| Team: | Nicholls State Colonels |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Record: | 5–5–1 |
| Head Coach: | Sonny Jackson |
| Hc Year: | 1st |
| Stadium: | John L. Guidry Stadium |
The 1981 Nicholls State Colonels football team represented Nicholls State University as an independent during the 1981 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by first-year head coach Sonny Jackson, the Colonels compiled a record of 5–5–1. Nicholls State played home games at John L. Guidry Stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana.