In their first year under head coach Vic Rowen, the Gators compiled an 8–2 record (4–1 in conference games), shared the FWC title with Humboldt State, and outscored opponents by a total of 261 to 102.
[1] The team played its home games at Cox Stadium in San Francisco.
George Moorhouse was the team's punter, kicking 42 times for an average of 38.7 yard per punt.
[1] Eight San Francisco State players were selected as first-team players on the 1961 All-Far Western Conference football team: [8] Seven others were recognized on the second team: [8] Center Sam Dumas received honorable mention.
[9][10][11] Fullback Willie Simpson was not drafted, but appeared in 10 games for the 1962 Oakland Raiders.