In their 11th year under head coach Stan Galloway, the Lions compiled a 9–1 record (4–1 in conference games), tied for the GSC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 221 to 55.
4 in the final United Press International coaches small college poll and No.
Quarterback Elbert Harris led the team with 592 yards of total offense, including 406 passing yards (20 of 49 passes completed with five touchdowns and one interception).
[3] Billy Ladner was selected as the GSC outstanding back of 1961.
[5] Four Southeastern Louisiana players received first-team honors on the 1961 All-Gulf State Conference football teams selected by the coaches and writers.