The 1980 Lamar Cardinals football team represented Lamar University in the 1980 NCAA Division I-A football season as a member of the Southland Conference. The Cardinals played their home games at Cardinal Stadium now named Provost Umphrey Stadium in Beaumont, Texas. Lamar finished the 1980 season with a 3–8 overall record and a 1–4 conference record. One highlight for the season was the highest attended game in the history of the stadium. 18,500 fans attended the September 13 game against the Baylor Bears.