The 1961 Iowa State Cyclones football team was an American football team that represented Iowa State University in the Big Eight Conference (Big 8) during the 1961 college football season. In their fourth year under head coach Clay Stapleton, the Cyclones compiled a 5âÂÂ5 record (3âÂÂ4 in conference games), finished in fifth place in the Big 8, and outscored their opponents by a total of 151 to 133.
Iowa State halfback Dave Hoppmann led the country with 1,638 yards off total offense. Hoppman also led the team with 920 rushing yards, 718 passing yards, and 30 points (five touchdowns). Two Iowa State players were selected as first-team all-conference players: Hoppmann and right guard Dan Celoni.
The team played its home games at Clyde Williams Field in Ames, Iowa. The stadium's seating capacity was expanded with the addition of 4,500 new permanent seats prior to the 1961 season. A new double-deck press box was also added as part of the renovation.