In their sixth year under head coach Jack Mollenkopf, the Boilermakers compiled a 6–3 record (4–2 in conference games), finished fourth in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a total of 146 to 87.

Fullback Roy Walker led the team in both rushing (491 yards) and scoring (24 points).

Guard and co-captain Stan "Stosh" Sczurek saw more action (380 minutes out of a possible 540) than any other player for the 1961 Boilermakers.

[14] The following players were selected by either the AP or UPI on the 1961 All-Big Ten Conference football team: end Jack Elwell (AP-1, UPI-2); guard Stan Sczurek (AP-1, UPI-2); tackle Don Brumm (AP-2); and quarterback Ron DiGravio (UPI-3).

[17][18] Purdue dominated the 1961 All-Indiana football team selected byThe Indianapolis News with six first-team honorees: quarterback Ron DiGravio; halfback Dave Miller; fullback Roy Walker; end Jack Elwell; tackle Don Brumm; and guard Stan Sczurek.