The 1961 Oregon State Beavers football team represented Oregon State University in the 1961 NCAA University Division football season. Led by seventh-year head coach Tommy Prothro, the Beavers ended their third season as an independent with five wins and five losses, and outscored their opponents 198 to 192. Four home games were played on campus at Parker Stadium in Corvallis with one at Multnomah Stadium in Portland.