It is a bittersweet moment, as the Illinois football team ends the 2025 season on a high note.
While a season coming to an end is always sad, seeing the Illini go out on top is exciting. We got to face off against an SEC team for the second year in a row, and we beat the SEC for the second year in a row.
Illinois looked good from the opening kickoff. There were only a few hiccups throughout, and one of those came on special teams late in the game. That kickoff return for a touchdown by the Volunteers seemed brutal, but it was exactly what the final chapter of the Luke Altmyer era wanted.
Altmyer helped lead Illinois into field goal range. With time expiring, David Olano kicked a game-winning field goal to beat Tennessee 30-28.
Here are five massive observations from the Illinois football win over Tennessee
1. Luke Altmyer is that guy for Illinois
During my lifetime, I have never seen an arm talent at Illinois as good as Luke Altmyer.
I know this sounds like hyperbole. I honestly don’t think it is, though. There have been great quarterbacks in the past, don’t get me wrong.
Kurt Kittner was great. While this was true, he also had plenty of talent around him, including future NFL wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. Kittner’s arm wasn’t what Altmyers is today either.
Altmyer had every right to opt out of the bowl game against Tennessee. He could have been training for the NFL Combine right now, but he decided to come back and play one more game.
I wouldn’t blame him for not being prepared either. I am sure there is a lot of partying going on with school being out right now and this being his final year in Champaign. But no, he was focused on the mission.
Altmyer finished the Tennessee game going 20-of-33 for 196 yards and a touchdown. Joey Aguilar was the prized possession coming into the game, and Altmyer ran circles around him. It makes me so happy to see this kid go out on top.
2. It was incredible how well the Illini ran against the Vols
Illinois’ rushing attack hasn’t been up to par this season. There have been a few good games, but for the most part, I have been underwhelmed by the rushing game for the Orange and Blue.
Some of the issues have to due with injuries. There are issues with the offensive line, too. But on Tuesday night, everything came together.
Against an SEC program in Tennessee, Illinois managed to have 39 carries for 221 yards and a touchdown. Everyone was clicking, too. Aidan Laughery had 77 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Ca’Lil Valentine had 65 yards and averaged 8.1 yards per carry. And even Altmyer got in on the action with 54 yards and averaged 5.4 yards per carry.
When it was all said and done, Illinois’ 221 yards on the ground against Tennessee were the second-most rushing yards we have gained this season. It is only four years short of the 225 yards on the ground against Maryland.
If Illinois can carry this rushing attack into next season, we are going to be an extremely dangerous squad.
3. The Illinois front seven impressed me all game
I have been critical of the Illinois defense a lot this season, and rightfully so. They have had some bad games and have cost the Illini a lot of points.
There were four games this season when Illinois allowed at least 32 points in a game. This includes a 63-spot given up to Indiana. So, when I am overly critical of the defense from the jump, there is a reason.
Against Tennessee, the Illinois defense actually stood out. The defensive backs were okay, but it was the front seven that made the difference.
Illinois’ linemen were getting penetration all game long. James Thomson Jr. was a force who couldn’t be stopped. The Illini seemed to be in the backfield constantly, and this forced Aguilar to get the ball out quicker or even turn the ball over.
The strip sack and touchdown in the third quarter were huge for momentum. Tennessee could have easily taken over this game, but the defensive front seven for the Illini had a special night. This victory wouldn’t be possible without them.
4. Most of the Illinois offensive production returns next season
It is sad that this is Altmyer’s final game as a member of the Illinois football program. He is going to be missed, as his ability is something rarely seen in Champaign.
Thankfully, while Altmyer is departing, there is plenty of talent that produced on Tuesday night who will be back next season.
All of the Illinois running backs can return next season. Laughery and Valentine combined for 142 yards against Tennessee, and they are locked and loaded for 2026. I am keeping an eye on Jordan Anderson and Kaden Feagin, too. All of them can be back again.
Even the wide receiver corps pretty much stays intact. The biggest loss is Hank Beatty, which is a big one, but Hudson Clement led Illinois with 48 yards against Tennessee, and he is back in 2026. Justin Bowick had the lone receiving touchdown, and he is going to be a huge asset next season.
The only area where Illinois is taking a hit is the offensive line, and honestly, I think that group needed an upgrade anyway. I like how some of them played against the Volunteers, and we have some talent coming into the program, too. Illinois is poised to have another big year in 2026.
5. Ca’Lil Valentine is a dual-threat monster waiting in the wings
Illinois is laced with running back talent heading into the 2026 campaign. I have already touched on a couple of the big-time ball-carriers, and the one that intrigues me the most is Valentine.
Valentine is a former four-star recruit who finally got some shine this season. He is only entering his junior year, so there are two more seasons he can be in Champaign.
What we haven’t seen a lot of with Valentine is his versatility as a player. We all know he is quick and can go east-to-west just as fast as north-to-south, but I am talking more about how well-rounded this kid is on the football field.
For the 2025 campaign, Valentine had a total of 27 yards receiving in 12 games. There was no reason to think that he was a dual-threat running back. We hadn’t seen one lick of receiving ability in 2025.
On Tuesday night, Valentine’s abilities shone bright. He had his best game this season, especially when it came to receiving the football.
Valentine finished the Tennessee game with eight carries for 65 yards on the ground. He was able to get to the edge and beat the Volunteers in a foot race. Moreover, Valentine had three receptions for 28 yards in the game as well.
Think about that for a second. In the first 12 games this season, Valentine had 27 yards receiving. He had more receiving yards against Tennessee than he did in the 2025 regular season.
Illinois might have a dual-threat running back lurking. Valentine is a great runner, but could he be the weapon this program needs in 2026?