| Year: | 1961 |
| Team: | San Jose State Spartans |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Record: | 6–4 |
| Head Coach: | Bob Titchenal |
| Hc Year: | 5th |
| Stadium: | Spartan Stadium |
The 1961 San Jose State Spartans football team was an American football team that represented San Jose State College (now known as San Jose State University) as an independent during the 1961 college football season.[1] In their fifth year under head coach Bob Titchenal, the Spartans compiled a 6–4 record and were outscored by a total of 185 to 183.
San Jose State quarterback Chon Gallegos led the country in passing with 117 completions and 14 touchdown passes. He ranked second with 1,487 passing yards.[2]
The team played its home games at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California.
The following San Jose State players were selected in the 1962 NFL draft.[4] [5]
| Player | Position | Round | Overall | NFL team | |
| Guard – Tackle | 4 | 49 | Chicago Bears | ||
| Mac Burton | End | 5 | 57 | Chicago Bears | |
| Tackle | 6 | 79 | Green Bay Packers | ||
| Wide receiver | 6 | 84 | Green Bay Packers |
| Player | Position | Round | Overall | NFL team | |
| Oscar Donahue | Wide receiver | 12 | 94 | Oakland Raiders | |
| John Sutro | Tackle | 20 | 161 | Oakland Raiders | |
| Jim Cadile | Guard – Tackle | 22 | 169 | Oakland Raiders | |
| Guard – Tackle | 29 | 225 | Oakland Raiders |
| Player | Position | First NFL team | |
| Quarterback | 1962 Oakland Raiders |