In their seventh year under head coach Bowden Wyatt, the team compiled a 6–4 record (4–3 in conference games).

tied for fourth place in the SEC, and outscored opponents by a total of 221 to 149.

Center and captain Mike Lucci was the only Tennessee player to receive first-team honors on the 1961 All-SEC football team.

The team played its home games at Shields–Watkins Field in Knoxville, Tennessee.

[12] Tailback Mallon Faircloth completed 31 of 52 passes (59.6%) for 460 yards with eight touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 184.7 quarterback rating.