| Year: | 1961 |
| Team: | Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Record: | 5–5 |
| Head Coach: | Joe Kuharich |
| Hc Year: | 3rd |
| Captain: | Nick Buoniconti |
| Captain2: | Norb Roy |
The 1961 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1961 college football season. In their third year under head coach Joe Kuharich, the Fighting Irish compiled a 5–5 record and were outscored by a total of 182 to 175. They won their first three games over Oklahoma, Purdue, and USC, and were ranked No. 6 in the AP poll. They then lost consecutive games to Michigan State, Northwestern, and Navy, falling out of the rankings.[1]
Co-captain and guard/linebacker Nick Buoniconti led the team with 74 tackles, blocked two kicks, and was the only Notre Dame player to win 1961 All-American honors. Halfback Angelo Dabiero led the team in rushing, punt returns, and interceptions, and ranked second in pass receiving and scoring.
The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.
The team outgained its opponents in rushing yards by 2,245 (224.5 per game) to 1,282 (128.2 per game). In passing yards, the Irish were outgained by 1,591 (159.1 per game) to 961 (96.1 per game).[2]
Guard/linebacker and team co-captain Nick Buoniconti was the team's leader on defense with 74 tackles,[2] including 13 unassisted tackles against Michigan State.[3] He also blocked two kicks.[2] Buoniconti was the only Notre Dame player to receive 1961 All-America honors, having been named to the first team by the Central Press[4] and the second team by the United Press International and The Sporting News.[5] [6] He was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Senior halfback Angelo Dabiero was the team leader in multiple statistical categories. He led the team in rushing with 637 yards on 92 carries for an average gain of 6.9 yards per attempt. He ranked second in pass receiving (10 receptions for 201 yards), first in punt returns (11 returns, 97 yards, 8.8-yard average), second in kickoff returns (eight returns, 203 yards), and tied for second in scoring (24 points). Dabiero also played on defense, leading the team with five interceptions and ranking third in tackles (47).[2]
Sophomore quarterback Frank Budka completed 40 of 95 passes (42.1%) for 636 yards, three touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Budka also played on defense, tallying 21 tackles, three pass breakups, three opponent fumbles recovered, and two passes intercepted.[2]
Quarterback Daryle Lamonica completed 20 of 52 passes (38.5%) for 300 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. Lamonica was also the team's leading punter, kicking 29 times for 1,113 yards, an average of 38.4 yards per punt. Lamonica also played on defense, tallying 29 tackles, five pass breakups, and three interceptions.[2]
Senior end Les Traver was the team's leading receiver with 17 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns. Traver also tallied 35 tackles and an interception while playing on defense.[2]
Fullback Joe Perkowski was the team's leading scorer with 31 points on five field goals and 16 points after touchdown.[2] Following a penalty for roughing the holder, he kicked a game-winning field goal against Syracuse after time had expired.
Other notable contributors included tackle Bob Bill (second in tackles with 50) and fullback Mike Lind (second in rushing with 450 yards).[2]
| Player | Position | Round | NFL club | |
| Joe Carollo | Tackle | 2 | Los Angeles Rams | |
| Bob Bill | Tackle | 2 | New York Giants | |
| Mike Lind | Fullback | 5 | San Francisco 49ers | |
| John Powers | End | 9 | Pittsburgh Steelers | |
| Joe Perkowski | Halfback, kicker | 13 | Chicago Bears |