1961 Washington State Cougars football team

The 1961 Washington State Cougars football team was an American football team that represented Washington State University as an independent during the 1961 college football season. In their sixth season under head coach Jim Sutherland, the Cougars compiled a 3–7 record and were outscored by their opponents by a combined total of 213 to 163.

The team's statistical leaders included Mel Melin with 814 passing yards, George Reed with 489 rushing yards, and Hugh Campbell with 723 receiving yards.