Illinois football could be looking for a new quarterback entering this upcoming season if Luke Altmyer had made a different decision.
The 2024 campaign was special for the Illini, winning 10 games for the first time since the 2001 Sugar Bowl run. While many Illinois fans knew there was talent, 10 wins was a bit of a surprise, to say the least.
Luke Altmyer was a big piece to the puzzle last season. Having Altmyer behind center gave Illinois stability at a position that this program has struggled to stabilize for the past couple of decades.
Altmyer’s development from year one to year two at Illinois was eye-opening as well. He wasn’t very good in his first season in Champaign, but in 2024, he displayed better arm talent, better timing, and more cohesion in the Illinois offense. At Big Ten Media Days, Altmyer touched on what happened between the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
“In 2023, there was a lot of hardship. The offseason in 2024, no one gave us a shot. That is what helped create what you saw in 2024.”
The cohesion and understanding of the Illinois offense didn’t come out of nowhere either. Altmyer had to work to develop an understanding of the offense and his teammates.
“A lot of connection, a lot of unity had to be developed. A lot of individual battles we had to face.”
Coming off a great 2024 campaign, Luke Altmyer was a wanted talent that had the eyes of many programs
With such a big jump in development, Altmyer shined bright for the Illini in 2024. While Illinois was winning 10 games, Altmyer was putting up career numbers, throwing for 2,717 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He continued showing off his legs as well, with 217 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Some of Altmyer’s biggest games were impressive. These moments and numbers by Altmyer had numerous programs calling, but that didn’t deter the star quarterback from making his return to Champaign.
“There were a lot of avenues I could have gone, but I just wanted to do the right thing. I know being where I am, that was the right decision for me.”
While I am sure Altmyer received a bag, which helped his decision, personal and professional development was a big reason why he came back to Illinois for one more season.
"I love what I do, I love where I do it." 🥹
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 22, 2025
Luke Altmyer speaks about why he chose to come back to @IlliniFootball.#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/x105sLJJQ3
“I’m in the right spot, around the best people in the world who help bring out the best in me from a football perspective and from a personal side,” said Altmyer, “I love my teammates. I had no reason to pick up and go somewhere else. I love what I do, and where I do it.”
Illinois gets one more run with Altmyer at quarterback. The thought has already popped into my head: Is he on the Mt. Rushmore of Illinois quarterbacks? With a great 2025, I think he can etch his name, or face for that matter, into the side of that mountain.