They tied with TCU (7–7) in the season opener and then won nine consecutive games, including victories over No.

However, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) chose Ohio State as national champion over undefeated Alabama.

Other notable contributors to the 1961 Ohio State team included halfbacks Paul Warfield and Matt Snell, guard Mike Ingram, tackle Bob Vogel, and linebacker Gary Moeller.

Bo Schembechler was Hayes' line coach, and Gary Moeller was a linebacker for the 1961 Buckeyes.

Guard Mike Ingram received second-team All-America honors from both the AP and UPI.

[23][24] Five Ohio State players received second- or third-team recognition on the All-Big Ten team: end Tom Perdue (AP-2, UPI-3); tackle Bob Vogel (UPI-2); center Bill Armstrong (AP-3); end Charles Bryant (UPI-3); and halfback Paul Warfield (UPI-3).