1961 Ole Miss Rebels football team

The 1961 Ole Miss Rebels football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1961 college football season. In their 15th year under head coach Johnny Vaught, the Rebels complied an overall record of 9–2, with a conference record of 5–1, and finished third in the SEC. Ole Miss received a berth in the Cotton Bowl, where the Rebels lost to Texas, 12–7. Ole Miss was favored in every game throughout the 1961 season as two–time defending champions.