The 1961 Arizona Wildcats football team represented the University of Arizona as an independent during the 1961 college football season. In their third season under head coach Jim LaRue, the Wildcats compiled an 8–1–1 record, were ranked No. 17 in the final AP Poll, and outscored their opponents, 288 to 131. The team captains were Bob Garis and Eddie Wilson. The team played its home games in Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. The team's statistical leaders included Eddie Wilson with 1,294 passing yards and Bobby Thompson with 752 rushing yards and 468 receiving yards.