The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Tony Eason with 3,360 passing yards, running back Calvin Thomas with 390 rushing yards, and wide receiver Oliver Williams with 760 receiving yards.[2] Several Illinois players ranked among the Big Ten leaders, including the following:
Tony Eason led the conference with 248 pass completions, a 61.1 pass completion percentage, 3,360 passing yards, a 140.0 passing efficiency rating, 20 passing touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and 3,331 total yards.[3]
Oliver Williams ranked third in the conference with six receiving touchdowns and 20.0 yards per reception and ranked fifth in the conference with 760 receiving yards.[3]
Kirby Wilson ranked second in the conference with 546 kickoff return yards.[3]
Mike Bass ranked third in the conference with 33 extra points made, fifth with 10 field goals and a 58.8% field goal percentage, and sixth with 63 points scored.[3]
1981 Illinois Fighting Illini football team roster
Players
Coaches
Offense
65 Finis, Marty OG 6-2 240 Jr. Palatine, Ill./Fremd
72 Flynn, Dennis OT 6-4 252 Sr.
13 Lopez, John WR 6-2 185 Sr. Elk Grove, Ill./St. Viator
4 Martin, Mike WR 5-10 175 Jr. Washington, D.C./Eastern
86 McAvoy, Tim TE 6-3 232 Sr.
11 Trudeau, Jack QB 6-4.5 195 Fr
44 West, Kevin FB 6-2 210 Jr. Anaheim, Calif./Fullerton JC
17 Williams, Oliver WR 6-3 190 Jr.
Defense
31 Burgard, Pete OLB 6-4 225 Sr. Ypsilanti, Mich./Ypsilanti
51 Buron, Tom DT 6-4 225 So. St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles
53 Butkus, Mark DT 6-4 235 So. Lansing, Ill./Thornton Fractional
96 Thorp, Don DT 6-4 230 So. Arlington Hts./Buffalo Grove
24 Toney, Mike DB 6-2 210 Jr
94 Tuck, Mark DL 6-5 245 Jr. Charlotte, N.C./Triton JC
Varrige, Tom DB 5-9 180 Jr. Park Ridge, Ill./Park Ridge
7 Vengoni, John OLB 6-0 215 Sr.
Tony Eason threw three touchdown passes to set the Big Ten single season record. The two teams overall combined to throw 109 passes, breaking the conference mark set earlier in the year by Minnesota and Ohio State.[4]