In their fourth year under head coach Jack Mitchell, the Jayhawks compiled a 6–3–1 record (5–2 in conference games), finished in second place in the Big 8, and outscored opponents by a total of 269 to 88.
Senior quarterback John Hadl led the team with 958 yards of total offense in the regular season and was selected by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) as a first-team All-American.
[14] Quarterback John Hadl led the team with 958 yards of total offense.
[14] Quarterback John Hadl was selected a first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).
[16] Four Kansas players were recognized by the AP or UPI on the 1961 All-Big Eight Conference football team: Hadl (AP-1, UPI-1); halfback Curtis McClinton (AP-1, UPI-1); guard Elvin Basham (AP-2, UPI-2); and center Kent Staub (AP-1, UPI-2).