The 1961 Missouri Tigers football team was an American football team that represented the University of Missouri in the Big Eight Conference (Big 8) during the 1961 NCAA University Division football season. The team compiled a 7–2–1 record (5–2 against Big 8 opponents), finished in a tie for second place in the Big 8, and outscored opponents by a combined total of 124 to 57. Dan Devine was the head coach for the fourth of 13 seasons. The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri.