The 1967 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 1967 Big Ten season. In their first year under head coach Jim Valek, the Fighting Illini compiled a 4âÂÂ6 record (3âÂÂ4 in conference games), finished in a tie for fifth place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 213 to 143.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Dean Volkman (1,005 passing yards, 42.1% completion percentage), running back Rich Johnson (768 rushing yards, 3.9 yards per carry), and wide receiver John Wright (52 receptions for 698 yards). Wright was selected as the team's most valuable player. Wright and defensive back Ron Bess received first-team honors on the 1967 All-Big Ten Conference football team.
The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.
This was the first season since 1952 in which Illinois faced Iowa, following the chaos of their last matchup.