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

1 seed in the Midwest region, they defeated Drexel in the First Round before being upset by No.

Illini big man Kofi Cockburn declared for the 2021 NBA draft, before ultimately withdrawing and entering the transfer portal.

After considering offers from Kentucky and Florida State, he opted to return to Illinois.

Jacob Grandison, while listed as a graduate student, is a redshirt senior for eligibility purposes.