5 biggest surprises from the Illinois football win over Kansas

5. The incredible ability of the Illinois offensive tackles

Just with the eye test, I feel like Luke Altmyer is in a better position on the Illinois football team than in 2023. He is more comfortable with the offense, and he is more accurate with the football.

A part of the progression of Altmyer’s game has to do with him and his development. He is becoming a pretty good quarterback. Another element of why Altmyer looks better is that Illinois has a better offensive line, particularly at the offensive tackle positions.

Altmyer has taken a huge step forward this season, as he had a grade of 69.4 in 2023 and now his grade through two games in 2024 is 87.5, according to Pro Football Focus. Illinois’ offensive tackles have also graded incredibly well this season.

Melvin Priestly and JC Davis, both newcomers via the transfer portal, have been nearly flawless. Priestly has a grade of 90.2, which ranks No. 2 among all offensive tackles at all levels of football. Davis isn’t too far behind with a grade of 78.0, which ranks No. 29 among all offensive tackles.

The Davis grade doesn’t surprise me too much, but having Priestly playing at that high of a level this early is a shocker. Illinois needed this type of play from someone, and he has delivered in a big way.

Altmyer is also not seeing the ground nearly as much either. The great offensive tackle play has helped him stay on his feet. In 2023, opponents averaged 3.4 sacks per game against Altmyer, which ranked No. 117 in the country. Through two games, that number is now just 2.0 sacks per game.

The offensive tackle positions are some of the most crucial roles on the team. Bret Bielema and the Illinois coaching staff did a great job of finding and landing the talent in the offseason. Priestly and Davis might be the two biggest offseason additions for the Orange and Blue.