| Year: | 1981 |
| Team: | Tulsa Golden Hurricane |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Missouri Valley Conference |
| Short Conf: | MVC |
| Record: | 6–5 |
| Conf Record: | 5–1 |
| Head Coach: | John Cooper |
| Hc Year: | 5th |
| Off Coach: | Larry Coker |
| Oc Year: | 2nd |
| Def Coach: | Mike Knoll |
| Dc Year: | 2nd |
| Stadium: | Skelly Stadium |
| Champion: | MVC co-champion |
The 1981 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1981 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fifth year under head coach John Cooper, the Golden Hurricane compiled a 6–5 record (5–1 against conference opponents) and tied for the Missouri Valley Conference championship.[1] [2]
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Kenny Jackson with 806 passing yards, Brett White with 640 rushing yards, and John Green with 252 receiving yards.[3] Head coach John Cooper was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
See main article: 1982 NFL draft. The following Golden Hurriane players were selected in the National Football League Draft following the season.[5] [6]
| 7 | 174 | Eugene Williams | Linebacker | Seattle Seahawks | |
| 7 | 193 | Bill Purifoy | Defensive end | Dallas Cowboys |