The 1961 Western Illinois Leathernecks football team was an American football team that represented Western Illinois University as a member of the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) during the 1961 college football season.
In their second year under head coach Art Dufelmeier, the Leathernecks compiled a 5–3 record (4–2 in conference games) and tied for second place in the IIAC.
[1] Halfback Leroy Jackson led the team with 560 rushing yards and 56 points scored.
[2] He also finished third in the NCAA in the 100-yard dash, received first-team honors on the 1961 Little All-America college football team, and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round (11th overall pick) of the 1962 NFL draft.
[3] Quarterback Bill Roper led the team with 635 passing yards.