The 1971 Memphis State Tigers football team represented Memphis State University (now known as the University of Memphis) as an independent during the 1971 NCAA University Division football season. In its 13th and final season under head coach Billy J. Murphy, the team compiled a 5–6 record (2–1 against conference opponents), tied for second place out of seven teams in the MVC, defeated San Jose State in the Pasadena Bowl, and outscored all opponents by a total of 255 to 202. The team played its home games at Memphis Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.