Projected 2024 Illinois football offensive depth chart

We are now out of the month of July, and that means one thing. Illinois football is on the horizon.

With the season kicking off this month, the Illini are poised to have a good year. We loaded up with some talent in the offseason and used the transfer portal well.

It is time to look at what the Illini will put on the field when it comes to offensive personnel.

Here is the projected 2024 Illinois football offensive depth chart

Quarterback

Starter: Luke Altmyer

Without a doubt, Luke Altmyer is going to be the starter heading into the 2024 campaign. He is the incumbent starter from 2023, and as long as he is healthy, I imagine he starts every game for Illinois this season.

In his first year in Champaign, Altmyer threw for 1,883 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He would have had better numbers, but he dealt with some injuries and the spark of backup quarterback, John Paddock.

I don’t think Altmyer has to worry about what is behind him on the depth chart in 2024, though. When push comes to shove, he only had one truly bad game last season, and that was the four-interception contest against Penn State.

I expect Altmyer to have a good 2024 season and be one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. He has the weapons, now it is his time to shine.

Backups

I have two main options backing up Altmyer in 2024. I think when it is all said and done, Donovan Leary is the primary backup to Altmyer. I believe Bret Bielema will go to him over Cal Swanson if need be.

The thing that worries me the most about Illinois’ backups is the fact they haven’t taken a snap at the college level. Leary is entering his redshirt sophomore season and wasn’t used in 2023, and Swanson took a redshirt as a freshman last season.

At the end of the day, I see Leary and Swanson as the two main backups in the quarterback room. If called upon, I imagine Leary is the player next in line.