The 1927 Illinois Fighting Illini football team, under head coach Robert Zuppke, compiled a 7–0–1 record, won the Big Ten championship, led the conference in scoring defense (3.0 points allowed per game), and was recognized as the national champion under the Dickinson System rankings.
Guard Russ Crane and center Robert Reitsch received first-team All-American honors.
The 1927 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, under head coach Clarence Spears, compiled a 6–0–2 record, led the Big Ten in scoring offense (26.1 points per game), and was ranked No.
The 1927 Michigan Wolverines football team, under head coach Tad Wieman, compiled a 6–2 record, shut out its first four opponents, and was ranked No.
Halfback Louis Gilbert was Michigan's leading scorer and a first-team All-Big Ten player.