Led by Joe Verducci in his 11th and final year as head coach, San Francisco State compiled an overall record of 9–1 with a mark of 4–1 in conference play, placing second in the FWC.
The Gators played home games at Cox Stadium in San Francisco.
The Gators were dominant through much of the season, allowing touchdown or less in nine of the ten games.
[5] The following San Francisco State players were selected in the 1961 NFL draft.
[6][7][8] The following San Francisco State players were selected in the 1961 AFL Draft.