In their fifth year under head coach Les DeVall, the team compiled a 7–2 (4–1 in conference games), tied for the GSC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 207 to 85.
[1] The team played its home games at Wildcat Stadium in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
[1] End Jay Hebert set two school receiving records with 19 receptions and 292 yards.
[1] Guard Johnny Steed received the "outstanding lineman" award in the Gulf Coast Conference, and Les DeVall was selected as the coach of the year.
Four McNeese players were selected to the first team of the 1961 All-Gulf States Conference football team: quarterback Don Breaux; back Don Bossler; end Tom Sestak; and guard Johnny Steed.