The 1977 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 1977 Big Ten season. In their first year under head coach Gary Moeller, the Fighting Illini compiled a 3âÂÂ8 record (2âÂÂ6 in conference games), finished in ninth place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 292 to 141.
The team's statistical leaders include quarterback Mike McCray (418 passing yards, 60.0% completion percentage), running back James Coleman (715 rushing yards, 5.0 yards per carry), wide receiver Tom Schooley (15 receptions for 231 yards), and kicker Dave Finzer (25 points scored, 7 of 13 extra points, 6 of 11 field goals). Coleman and linebacker John Sullivan were selected as the team's most valuable players. Guard Kevin Pancratz and linebacker John Sullivan received first-team honors on the 1977 All-Big Ten Conference football team.
The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.