The 1928 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1928 Big Ten season. In their 16th season under head coach Robert Zuppke, the Illini compiled a 7âÂÂ1 record (4âÂÂ1 in conference games), won the Big Ten championship, shut out five of eight opponent, and outscored all opponents by a total of 145 to 16. The team was ranked No. 6 in the Dickinson System ratings released in December 1928.
Tackle Butch Nowack was the team captain. Nowack also received first-team honors from the AP, UP, and Walter Eckersall on the 1928 All-Big Ten Conference football team. Guard Russ Crane received second-team All-Big Ten honors from Eckersall.