The 1961 Northeastern Huskies football team was an American football team that represented Northeastern University as an independent during the 1961 college football season.
In their 14th season under head coach Jim Zabilski, the Yellow Jackets compiled a 4–4 record and were outscored by a total of 118 to 117.
Quarterback Gerald Varnum led the team with 567 passing yards (42 completions on 110 attempts), 604 yards of total offense, and 24 points scored (four touchdowns).
The leading rushers were fullback Paul Luciano (207 yards) and halfback Peter Furia (154 yards).
The leading receivers were halfback Edward Brady (8 receptions for 170 yards) and end Frank Schettino (10 receptions for 166 yards).