In their fifth year under head coach John Yovicsin, the Crimson compiled a 6–3 record (6–1 in conference games) and outscored opponents by a total of 160 to 97 (143 to 60 in conference games).
[3] Three Harvard players received first-team all-conference honors: end Bob Boyds; tackle Darwin Wile; and guard Bill Swinford.
[13] In their run-oriented offense, Harvard had eight players who rushed for at least 100 yards.
Bill Grana led the group with 431 yards on 94 carries for a 4.6-yard average.
[13] Three Harvard players received first-team honors on the 1961 All All-Ivy football team: end Bob Boyds; tackle Darwin Wile; and guard Bill Swinford.