| Year: | 1981 |
| Team: | Rutgers Scarlet Knights |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Record: | 5–6 |
| Head Coach: | Frank R. Burns |
| Hc Year: | 9th |
| Stadium: | Rutgers Stadium Giants Stadium |
The 1981 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represented Rutgers University in the 1981 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their ninth season under head coach Frank R. Burns, the Scarlet Knights compiled a 5–6 record while competing as an independent and were outscored by their opponents 208 to 139.[1] [2] The team's statistical leaders included Ralph Leek with 926 passing yards, Albert Ray with 679 rushing yards, and Andrew Baker with 356 receiving yards.[3]