1961 Ohio Athletic Conference football season

The Tigers also ranked fifth nationally in total deffense, allowing an average of only 118.3 yards per game.

The 1961 Akron Zips football team, led by second-year head coach Bob Winterburn, finished in second place with a 6–2 record (6–1 against OAC opponents).

In their sixth and final season under head coach Duke Barret, the Purple Raiders compiled a 3–6 record (2–5 against OAC opponents), finished in ninth place in the OAC, and were outscored by a total of 208 to 121.

In their third and final year under head coach Mike Koval, the Terriers compiled a 1–7 record (1–5 against OAC opponents), tied for twelfth place in the OAC, and were outscored opponents by a total of 229 to 71.

In their fourth season under head coach J. William Grice, the Yeomen compiled a 2–5–1 record (1–5 against OAC opponents).