In their 16th year under head coach Odus Mitchell, the Eagles compiled a 5–4–1 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 206 to 162.

[1] Sophomore halfback Bobby Smith led the team in both rushing (541 yards) and scoring (42 points).

[15] Halfbacks Bobby Smith and Billy Christle received first-team honors on the 1961 All-Missouri Valley Conference football team.

[18] Tackle Bill Kirbie, guard Billy Weaver, and fullback Arthur Perkins were named to the second team.

Tackles Gerry Hawkins and Richard Farris and end Mike Pirkle received honorable mention.