| Year: | 1981 |
| Team: | Toledo Rockets |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Mid-American Conference |
| Short Conf: | MAC |
| Record: | 9–3 |
| Conf Record: | 8–1 |
| Head Coach: | Chuck Stobart |
| Hc Year: | 5th |
| Stadium: | Glass Bowl |
| Champion: | MAC champion |
| Bowl: | California Bowl |
| Bowl Result: | W 27–25 vs. San Jose State |
The 1981 Toledo Rockets football team was an American football team that represented the University of Toledo in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1981 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fifth and final season under head coach Chuck Stobart, the Rockets compiled a 9–3 record (8–1 against MAC opponents), won the MAC championship, outscored all opponents by a combined total of 270 to 170, won the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship, and defeated San Jose State, 27–25, in the 1981 California Bowl.[1]
The team's statistical leaders included Jim Kelso with 975 passing yards, Arnold Smiley with 1,013 rushing yards, and Rodney Achter with 361 receiving yards.[2]
The following Rocket was selected in the 1982 NFL draft following the season.[3]
| 7 | 177 | Jeff Jackson | Defensive end | Los Angeles Raiders |