The 1980s decade saw the expansion of the I-AA level to nearly twice the size though the number of teams fluctuated in the early part of the decade. The 1980s were largely dominated by Georgia Southern who captured 3 titles (and lost in the title game in another) after restarting their program in 1982. They won the 1985 National Championship despite it being just their second season back at a varsity level.
The links below will provide an overview of each season in the 1980s.