Led by first-year head coach Brad Underwood, the Illini played their home games at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois as members of the Big Ten Conference.

[8] After the firing of John Groce, Pickett asked for and received a release of his letter of intent to Illinois.

[9] On November 17, 2016, four-star recruit Jeremiah Tilmon announced that he had signed his letter of intent with Illinois the previous day, after a week of press uncertainty.

[10] However, after the coaching change at Illinois, Tilmon requested and received a release of his letter of intent with the school.

[14] On November 9, 2016 Trent Frazier signed a national letter of intent after considering Memphis, Georgia, Kansas State and Seton Hall, among others.