In their first year under head coach Chuck Studley, the Bearcts compiled a 3–7 record (1–2 in conference games, finished in a three-way tie for second place out of four teams in the MVC, and were outscored by a total of 142 to 97.
The team played its home games at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.
Harp was followed by Bruce Vogelgesong who completed 12 of 29 passes for 144 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.
Guard Rufus Simmons and tackle Ken Byers were selected by the conference coaches as first-team players for first-team honors on the 1961 All-Missouri Valley Conference football team.
[12] Ken Byers and Don Ross were selected as the team captains.