In their fourth year under head coach George Maderos, the Wildcats compiled a 4–6 record (0–5 in conference games), finished last out of six teams in the FWC, and were outscored by a total of 226 to 162.
The team played its home games at College Field in Chico, California.
[1] Quarterback Al Allison completed 54 of 139 passes for 803 yards with six touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
[1] Mario Serafin was selected as a first-team linebacker on the 1961 All-Far Western Conference football team.
Two others received second team honors: end Ed Burton (offense); and tackle Tom McKerras (defense).