The 1983 Illinois Fighting Illini football team represented the University of Illinois as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the Big Ten football season. In their fourth year under head coach Mike White, the Fighting Illini compiled a 10âÂÂ2 record (9âÂÂ0 in conference games), won the Big Ten championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 338 to 168. Illinois represented the Big Ten in the 1984 Rose Bowl, losing to UCLA by a 45âÂÂ9 score. The Illini were ranked No. 4 in the AP poll at the end of the regular season, but dropped to No. 10 in the final poll after losing the Rose Bowl.
Quarterback Jack Trudeau led the Big Ten with 203 complete passes, a 62.7% completion percentage, and 2,446 passing yards. The team's other statistical leaders included running back Thomas Rooks (842 rushing yards), wide receiver David Williams (59 receptions for 870 yards), and kicker Chris White (78 points, 39 of 40 extra points, 13 of 22 field goals).
Defensive end Don Thorp was selected as the team's most valuable player and also received the Chicago Tribune Silver Football trophy as the most valuable player in the Big Ten Conference.
The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.
Seven Illinois players received first-team honors on the 1983 All-Big Ten Conference football team: running back Dwight Beverly (AP-1, UPI-1); guard Jim Juriga (AP-1, UPI-1); tackle Chris Babyar (AP-1, UPI-1); defensive linemen Mark Butkus (AP-1, UPI-1) and Don Thorp (AP-1, UPI-1); defensive back Craig Swoope (AP-1, UPI-1); and kicker Chris White (AP-2, UPI-1).