1961 San Jose State Spartans football team

The 1961 San Jose State Spartans football team represented San Jose State College during the 1961 college football season.

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.

San Jose State played as an Independent in 1961. Led by fifth-year head coach Bob Titchenal, they played home games at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California. The Spartans finished with a record of six wins and four losses (6–4), and were outscored  183 to 185.

Team players in the NFL/AFL
The following San Jose State players were selected in the 1962 NFL draft. The following San Jose State players were selected in the 1962 AFL Draft. The following finished their San Jose State career in 1961, were not drafted, but played in the AFL.