| Year: | 1971 |
| Team: | McNeese State Cowboys |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Record: | 9–1–1 |
| Head Coach: | Jack Doland |
| Hc Year: | 2nd |
| Stadium: | Cowboy Stadium |
| Bowl: | Grantland Rice Bowl |
| Bowl Result: | L 23–26 vs. Tennessee State |
The 1971 McNeese State Cowboys football team was an American football team that represented McNeese State University as an independent during the 1971 NCAA College Division football season. In their second year under head coach Jack Doland, the team compiled an overall record of 9–1–1 and lost to Tennessee State in the Grantland Rice Bowl.