1961 Kent State Golden Flashes football team

The 1961 Kent State Golden Flashes football team was an American football team that represented Kent State University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1961 college football season. In their 16th season under head coach Trevor J. Rees, the Golden Flashes compiled a 2–8 record (1–5 against MAC opponents), finished in seventh place in the MAC, and were outscored by all opponents by a combined total of 181 to 126.

The team's statistical leaders included Cullen Bowen with 275 rushing yards, George Jenkins with 387 passing yards, and Dick Wolf with 288 receiving yards.