In their sixth year under head coach Will Lotter, the Aggies compiled a 5–4 record (3–2 in conference games), finished third in the FWC, and outscored opponents by a total of 173 to 111.
[9] Quarterback Dick Carriere completed 58 of 124 passes for 569 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
[9] Five Cal Aggies players were selected as first-team hoorees on the 1961 All-Far Western Conference football team: back Bob Foster (offense); tackle Carl Ehret (offense); center Neil Laughlin (offense); end Jim Hanie (defense); and tackle Dick Williams (defense).
Two others were named to the second team: linebacker Marlin Davis; and halfback Bill Moore (defense).
Quarterback Dick Carriere and halfback Ron Sbragia received honorable mention.