| Year: | 1961 |
| Team: | Illinois Fighting Illini |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Big Ten Conference |
| Short Conf: | Big Ten |
| Record: | 0–9 |
| Conf Record: | 0–7 |
| Head Coach: | Pete Elliott |
| Hc Year: | 2nd |
| Mvp: | Tony Parrilli |
| Captain: | Gary Brown |
| Stadium: | Memorial Stadium |
The 1961 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois during the 1961 Big Ten Conference football season. In their second year under head coach Pete Elliott, the Illini compiled a 0–9 record and finished in last place in the Big Ten Conference.[1] Guard Tony Parrilli was selected as the team's most valuable player.[2]