1961 Chico State Wildcats football team

The 1961 Chico State Wildcats football team was an American football team that represented Chico State College (now known as California State University, Chico) as a member of the Far Western Conference (FWC) during the 1961 college football season. In their fourth year under head coach George Maderos, the Wildcats compiled a 4–6 record (0–5 in conference games), finished last out of six teams in the FWC, and were outscored by a total of 226 to 162.

The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Al Allison (803 passing yards), halfback/fullback Bill Morris (389 yards), and end Ed Burton (566 receiving yards, 44 points scored). Mario Serafin received first-team all-conference honors as a linebacker and second-team honors as an offensive guard.

The team played its home games at College Field in Chico, California.