Latest news with #LukeAltmyer
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Illinois' magical playoff run (as told by EA College Football 26)
In what is quickly becoming a national holiday for sports nerds, especially myself, EA Sports College Football '26 was released on Monday. The game made its long-awaited return to glory last year, and it's back yet again. Thankfully, this year's version is a lot kinder to Illinois than last year's. Illinois is rated as the No. 25 overall team, but when you load into dynasty, they begin the season ranked No. 10. Not too shabby for Bret Bielema & Co. Gabe Jacas and Xavier Scott are the two highest-rated Illini in the game, with Jacas at a 92 and Scott at a 90. Quarterback Luke Altmyer checks in at an 89. I'm going to give a quick breakdown of notable stats for each game. If you'd rather skip ahead, scroll to the bottom for end-of-season stats and results. So, let's dive into the game-by-game predictions for the 2025–26 season. Week 1: No. 10 Illinois def. Western Illinois 66-14 Luke Altmyer had a day throwing for 403 yards and 5 touchdowns. Aidan Laughery got it done on the ground with 105 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Collin Dixon had a breakout performance with 8 catches for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns. An easy victory for Illinois over Western Illinois (FCS Midwest) week one. Week 2: No. 7 Illinois def. Duke 30-20 Keelan Crimmins legacy game. His three punts pinned inside the 20 helped the Illinois defense hold Darian Mensah and Duke to just 20 points. Aidan Laughery and Collin Dixon both went for over 100 yards again, but Altmyer struggled mightily throwing two interceptions and only completing 34% of his passes. Gabe Jacas and Leon Lowery both had two sacks apiece and Dylan Rosiek and Kaleb Patterson picked off Mensah once. Week 3: No. 7 Illinois def. Western Michigan 38-7 A 3-0 start for the Illini as Luke Altmyer bounced back with 316 passing yards and two touchdowns, Dixon continued his electric start to the season with 7 catches for 112 yards, and Justin Bowick caught his first touchdown of the year. Jacas and Lowery added a sack apiece, and the running back tandem of Laughery and Feagin combined for three rushing scores. Week 4: No. 19 Indiana def. No. 7 Illinois 41-20 Ouch. Have a day, Illini defense! Hoosier running back Roman Hemby ran for 150 yards, and the Illini offense was stifled by Indiana's defense. Illinois dropped to No. 18 ahead of their week five matchup with USC. Week 5: No. 21 USC def. No. 18 Illinois 41-14 Cue Free Fallin' by Tom Petty. After a promising start, Illinois drops two in a row and gets dominated by USC. Jayden Maiava torched the Illini defense with 295 yards and three touchdowns. Illinois falls from top 10 to unranked in just two weeks. Week 6: Illinois def. Purdue 30-21 Back on track. Luke Altmyer throws for a touchdown and Aidan Laughery runs for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns. Hudson Clement had his breakout game in an Illinois uniform with 9 catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. Lowery continued his strong season with 1.5 sacks. Illinois creeps back into the top 25 at No. 24. Week 7: No. 24 Illinois def. No. 16 Ohio State 52-34 Andddd here's how you know this is a video game. Ohio State rolling into Champaign, ranked No. 16. Dixon outdueled Jeremiah Smith with 12 receptions for 150 yards and four touchdowns, breaking the Illinois record for touchdown receptions in a game. Altmyer threw six touchdown passes, and the Illini outgained the Buckeyes 224–38 on the ground. Champaign might burn down if this result happens in real life. Week 9: No. 15 Illinois def. Washington 28-24 Altmyer had four total touchdowns, including three through the air and one on the ground— despite throwing for just 116 yards. Kaleb Patterson picked off Demond Williams twice, and Illinois escaped Seattle with a narrow win. Week 10: No. 13 Illinois def. Rutgers 26-21 Altmyer threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Tanner Arkin had nine catches for 98 yards. Jacas and Tomiwa Durojaiye each added a sack as Illinois fended off the Scarlet Knights. The Illini appeared in the top 12 of the College Football Playoff rankings with just three games remaining. Week 12: No. 8 Illinois def. Maryland 31-26 Illinois jumped three spots in the CFP poll without playing a game, and they got the job done against a one-win Maryland team. Unfortunately, Aidan Laughery got injured. In other news, grass is green, but Kaden Feagin picked up the slack with 17 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Durojaiye added 1.5 sacks, and Patterson snagged another interception. Week 13: No. 7 Illinois def. Wisconsin 26-25 Illinois snuck by the Badgers, and while Wisconsin fans jumped around in the fourth quarter, it was the Illini who were smiling and dancing when the clock struck zero. Bielema moved to 2-0 at his old stomping grounds, and he was carried by a stellar performance from Altmyer, who had 303 yards and three touchdowns. Collin Dixon added 9 catches, 133 yards, and a touchdown while Justin Bowick had two touchdown grabs. Leon Lowery showed out against his former squad with two sacks. Week 14: No. 7 Illinois def. Northwestern 44-14 Ending the year with a blowout victory of the kitties is always nice. Kaden Feagin had himself a monster day with 216 yards and two touchdowns, and Altmyer added 284 yards through the air with two passing touchdowns. Illinois ends the regular season at 10-2 (7-2), and was ranked No. 5 in the CFP poll, but won't play in the Big Ten title game. All the Illini have to do is wait until Selection Sunday to see their logo pop up in the College Football Playoff. Remember that early season win over Duke? Yeah, it held up nicely as the Blue Devils finished the regular season ranked No. 8. Conference Championship Week Iowa shocked the world and upset No. 1 Penn State to win the Big Ten title, thus securing its spot in the College Football Playoff. Miami dominated Duke, Texas Tech knocked off No. 1 Iowa State, and Florida defeated Georgia in the SEC title game. Illinois headed into the College Football Playoff ranked No. 4 and would have a bye before facing the winner of No. 5 Iowa State and No. 12 Iowa. Cotton Bowl (CFP Quarterfinal): No. 5 Iowa State def. No. 4 Illinois, 38–28 Illinois' first College Football Playoff appearance was short-lived. Rocco Becht threw for 361 yards and four touchdowns to lead Iowa State past the Illini. For the Illini, Collin Dixon eclipsed 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns while Luke Altmyer set the single-season touchdown record for an Illinois quarterback with 28, adding two touchdown passes in the Cotton Bowl. End of Season Recap For those who skipped the game summaries—glad you're still here! For those who stuck with me through them, thank you! Illinois finished 10–3, falling in the CFP quarterfinals to Iowa State. Dixon broke the single-game touchdown reception record, and Altmyer set the program's single-season passing touchdown mark. If this happens in the fall? I'll have Josh Whitman on speed dial, begging him to build the statue of our savior, Bret Bielema. A College Football Playoff appearance this season would be nothing short of magical and would put a surging Illinois program on the map nationally. This was a lot of fun to do. Now, after a pure sim of the Illini (I seriously did not touch a thing), it's time for you and me to build a dynasty and take home some virtual national titles. I'll leave my fellow sickos with some end-of-year stats below. Let's hope EA got it right. I-L-L. End of Year Stats QB Luke Altmyer: 3,343 yards, 28 TDs, 6 INTs RB Kaden Feagin: 151 carries, 814 yards, 14 TDs RB Aidan Laughery (9 games): 164 carries, 733 yards, 11 TDs WR Collin Dixon: 71 receptions, 1,049 yards, 10 TDs TE Tanner Arkin: 64 receptions, 636 yards, 2 TDs WR Hudson Clement: 59 receptions, 616 yards, 2 TDs WR Justin Bowick: 38 receptions, 416 yards, 8 TDs LB Dylan Rosiek: 79 tackles, 1 INT CB Xavier Scott: 71 tackles EDGE Leon Lowery: 71 tackles, 16 TFLs, 12 sacks CB Torrie Cox: 65 tackles, 2 INTs CB Kaleb Patterson: 34 tackles, 4 INTs EDGE Gabe Jacas: 38 tackles, 15 TFLs, 8.5 sacks K David Olano: 15 of 18 FG, long of 53, 59 touchbacks P Keelan Crimmins: 13 punts inside the 20, 46.5-yard average
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tate It's all in eye of beholder
Jul. 22—There are two sides to every story ... Transfer quarterbacks Darian Mensah of Duke and Fernando Mendoza of Indiana are more highly touted than Illinois' Luke Altmyer. Mendoza is projected Top 10 among QBs in 2026 NFL mock drafts, and Mensah reportedly has a two-year name, image and likeness contract worth $8 million, as arranged by the Durham Devils Club (some Carolina media members doubt the amount). Advertisement BUT ... Altmyer, who'll battle those two in September football showdowns, is entering his third year in the system with coordinator Barry Lunney Jr., while Mensah and Mendoza are new to their programs. Furthermore, in a 21-17 Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina, Altmyer outdueled LaNorris Sellers, a top-five QB in projected NFL ratings. Of 18 likely QB starters in the Big Ten this season, five began at their present school. Rated No. 1 is Drew Allar, returnee at Penn State. No. 2 is Altmyer, and he outpassed Allar, 185 yards to 135, in Illinois' 21-7 loss at Penn State, a game that turned on a high snap at the PSU 2-yard line before halftime when the score was tied at 7. Nothing is straightforward Advertisement Coach Bret Bielema has frequently outrecruited an impressive lineup of elite rivals in signing the UI's 2026 class, most impressive in decades. Morgan Park wide receiver Nasir Rankin, Belleville West cornerback Nick Hankins and Kirkwood (Mo.) safety Jacob Eberhard look like "can't-miss" prospects. BUT ... with perennial powers making strong late moves, the Illini's 23-man class is at No. 22 per 247Sports and No. 24, according to Rivals, and has just two of the state's Top 10 members — Rankin and Hankins — as judged by 247Sports and Rivals. Southern California landed QB Jonas Williams of Lincoln-Way and edge rusher Braedon Jones of Mount Carmel. Two tight ends ranked Nos. 1 and 3 in the state picked Mississippi and Alabama. Illinois' football schedule is considered weak without Penn State, Oregon, Michigan and Iowa on the slate. BUT ... with all the wild transferring and advance payments to players, how can we be certain? Sept. 20 host Indiana could be a slight favorite at home. USC, the Sept. 27 visitor, is bound to come storming back at some point. Ohio State is defending national champion, and Washington is just 18 months removed from the national championship game. We discount Purdue and Rutgers, and both led last year's 10-win team in the final 10 seconds. Nothing is certain. Advertisement In the rush to beat the July 1 deadline, collectives poured out millions and millions to college athletes, many of those huge payments front-loaded by wealthy donors. BUT ... what happens to those athletes holding signed contracts to receive "salaries" monthly throughout the school year? Will those ongoing contracts be subject to judgment by Deloitte like all other third-party deals? Imagine the sparks flying over Bryce Underwood's $10 million deal at Michigan ... unless Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison's partner, Wolverine fan Jolin Zhu, arranged to have it all paid before July 1. Trump card Advertisement President Donald Trump has created a buzz by contemplating an executive order to clarify the status — employees maybe? — of college athletes and provide some relief from the chaotic college sports entanglements. BUT ... there will be no end to lawsuits fighting limits for athlete's NIL compensation from third parties, and the new presence of Deloitte in enforcing those limits. Only Congress, and not the president, can provide antitrust exemptions, and there seems to be some bipartisan movement in that direction. Illini athletic director Josh Whitman has hinted that he'll be returning to Congress for further discussion. Whitman says student fees, a long-discussed controversy on this campus, are being phased out. Whitman is evidently confident his department can meet budget needs (the budget hit $190 million the past school year) while also resolving a $14M COVID-19 pandemic deficit. The 2024-25 budget was in the black at $190M. BUT ... just the opposite is happening around the country. Troubled programs elsewhere are requiring students to chip in. Minnesota has a new $200 athletic fee to reduce a $9 million athletic deficit. South Carolina ($300) and Clemson ($150 per semester) have newly installed auxiliary fees. Advertisement On the subject of budgetary cuts, here's the strangest. Washington State is dropping all field events and some sprints and hurdles while emphasizing distance running for its track program. If you go 340 miles southwest, you'll find the dead center of USA track and field at the University of Oregon ... where nothing gets cut as long as Nike's Phil Knight remains connected.
USA Today
18-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Top offensive player for every Big Ten team in 2025
The Big Ten is one of the most loaded conferences when it comes to offensive talent. Whether it be electrifying wide receivers, steady running backs, or clutch QBs, each program has at least one superb athlete amongst their ranks. Here are the top offensive platers for every Big Ten team headed into 2025. Illinois: Luke Altmyer Without two of his most productive receivers from last year, Luke Altmyer will look to continue making clutch plays in the biggest of moments. In order for the Illini to break through into the College Football Playoff, Altmyer must maintain the standards set last year, when he totaled 560 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions in Illinois' top-25 victories. Look for Altmyer to continue to be efficient, ranking 34th in the nation in that regard last year. The sky's the limit for Altmyer if he persists in his ascension as an elite Big Ten QB. Indiana: Elijah Sarratt New QB? Should be no problem for the likes of Elijah Sarratt. The rising junior is quickly becoming one of the most reliable receivers in the Big Ten. This season, with Fernando Mendoza at the helm, must be no different. In 2024, he tied for 10th overall on Indiana's receiving yardage (957) and receiving touchdowns (8) charts. If his rapport with Mendoza is anything like it was with Rourke, his stats could skyrocket yet again this season. Look out for the man they call "Waffle House." Iowa: Mark Gronowski While Kamari Moulton and Jaziun Patterson form a highly potent 1-2 punch in the backfield, it is the transfer of Mark Gronowski that immediately gives this offense significant upside. The former FCS man has the tools to have a stellar transition to FBS play, as evidenced by his 10,330 yards with the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State. Most importantly for his development, Iowa now have the requisite weapons for a QB of Gronowski's caliber to thrive. Look for him to develop a scary connection with potential breakout star Reece Vander Zee. Iowa's offense will be putrid no more with Gronowski at the helm. Maryland: Jalil Farooq The Terps have very little in the way of impact players on offense due to the mass exits of several key players to pastures new. However, one incoming talent could emerge as a potential beacon of hope for what should be a worrying Terps squad. Oklahoma transfer Jalil Farooq at the very least offers the Terps experience and savvy at the wide receiver position, and brings with him over 1,200 career receiving yards from the Sooners. While the QB who will be throwing to him is yet to be decided, they will be glad a receiver like Farooq is on the roster. Michigan State: Nick Marsh Elijah Tau-Tolliver certainly could make a case with his pedigree coming from Sacramento State, but I choose the upside of Marsh at the wide receiver position. Only a sophomore, Marsh has already hit the ground running with the Spartans in a breakout freshman season. He led the team in receiving yards with 649, tied for the lead in TD receptions, and was second in overall receptions. This offensive will certainly have a different feel to it this year, and Marsh will be a huge part of it. I would not be surprised if Marsh led all the same statistical categories for the Spartans this year as well. Michigan: Justice Haynes We don't know how Bryce Underwood will look come the first game of the season, so for now, I cannot bring myself to pick the five-star talent. Alabama transfer Justice Haynes could be equally as important to the success of the Wolverines anyway. The workhorse back continues the brand of physicality the Wolverines love in their RBs, and Haynes will help set that tone along with the upside of Underwood this season. While he only had 448 yards with the Tide last year, Haynes hasn't even reached his pinnacle yet. With a freak talent with a lot of potential in the backfield this year, we could be hearing Haynes's name a lot more now that he's a Wolverine. Minnesota: Darius Taylor One of the best workhorse backs in the entire conference, Taylor will carry a hefty load this year for the Golden Gophers. With true freshman Drake Lindsey potentially earning the starting QB Job, Taylor must continue to be the ultimate bell cow for Minnesota. The All-Big Ten Honorable Mention rushed for just under 1,000 yards and had a team-leading 10 touchdowns. He was also a threat in the pass game, catching 54 balls for 350 yards and 2 touchdowns. Look for him to be Drake Lindsey's get-out-of-jail free card early and often this season. Nebraska: Dylan Raiola Dylan Raiola may not ever be the best quarterback in the Big Ten, but he certainly displayed the traits last year to prove he's competent enough for the Cornhuskers. He completed 67% of his passes, throwing for 2,819 yards. Unfortunately, he only had 13 touchdowns to show for it. If he gains consistency, that number should skyrocket this season. Finishing third amongst all freshmen in passing yards gives Nebraska fans hope that that trait sticks with him for the next three years as well. This choice is also more about the lack of weapons Nebraska has around Raiola than anything. With new reinforcements throughout his career, look for him to continue to make these types of lists. Northwestern: Cam Porter There is no steadier running back in the Big Ten than Cam Porter. The sixth-year senior has been a stalwart for the Wildcats and will look to continue to produce despite the overall ineptitude of the Northwestern offense. Combined with SMU transfer Preston Stone, Northwestern could actually shock some middling Big Ten squads. Especially if Porter gets upward of 120 carries yet again and continues to average right around 4-5 yards per carry. He may not be pretty in terms of his play style, but he certainly gets the job done well. Ohio State: Jeremiah Smith You didn't have to even read this far to know who would represent the Buckeyes on this list. In fact, if you're a fan of a Big Ten school, you're probably already dreading what this young man will do to your school over the next two or so years. The only real question we can have about Smith is how many more records this kid can break? With another stellar quarterback taking the reins in Columbus in either Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz, Smith is primed for even more electrifying moments. You can hope and pray it won't happen to your school as hard as you can, but chances are Smith will make some big plays. Oregon: Dakorien Moore This time, I will pick a true freshman from the ranks of one of the Big Ten's elite squads. The fact that he comes from the Ducks will certainly shock some people. Nevertheless, when you look at Moore's high school stats, you will soon see why I have undeniable faith in his success in Eugene. In his high school career, Moore has over 4,400 receiving yards, 48 touchdowns and averaged 20.2 yards per catch, including a junior campaign where he had 1,523 yards and 18 scores. Dan Lanning will be elated should Moore live up to his lofty potential. Penn State: Nicholas Singleton This certainly could have been Drew Allar after a breakthrough campaign, but I'm choosing perhaps the best running back in the entire nation in Nicholas Singleton. The more versatile of Penn State's electric tandem, Singleton will be taking no prisoners this year in his push for a national title. He already is fifth all time in rushing touchdowns at Penn State and tenth in rushing yardage with 2,912. If he continues to ascend the all-time ranks and seals his illustrious career in Happy Valley with a CFP title, he will most definitely be one of the biggest legends in Penn State history. Purdue: Devin Mockobee Another one of the Big Ten's most consistent backs, Mockobee has to ply his trade in a much more anemic offense. That has not slowed his steadiness or his loyalty to the Boilermakers. In his three years with the program, he has already amassed over 2,400 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. This will be his toughest season without a security blanket, Max Klare, to open up avenues in the run game for him and, most importantly, for Purdue to take advantage of both of their skillsets. If Mockobee is to have another career year, he will have to do it alone. He is certainly capable of it. Rutgers: Ian Strong Ian Strong is the definition of consistency, especially a Scarlet Knights team that is beginning to preach longevity and dedication in the second Greg Schiano era. The Honorable Mention All-Big Ten player did things no other Scarlet Knight had done in almost 15 years and still has two years of eligibility left. A team that has also most recently preached physicality with a more running-oriented attack would now like to expand into new horizons, and Strong could be a big part of that revolution. Look for Ian Strong to be one of Rutgers' most integral stars over the next two years. UCLA: Jaivian Thomas UCLA is seemingly a team with a lot of depth in its offense, but little production stemming from it. We don't know how the QB room will look, and the receivers leave much to be desired. That is why I chose impressive Cal transfer Jaivian Thomas amidst all the chaos. Usurping one of the great running backs of the past three years in Jadyn Ott at Cal was no easy feat, yet the sophomore had the lion's share of carries. In just 100 carries, he rushed for 626 yards and seven touchdowns. In a much more wide-open room, those numbers and performances could stand out to Deshaun Foster enough to give him the starting role. USC: Makai Lemon USC is going through significant change on the offensive side of the ball, as the Miller Moss project didn't pan out, and both Branch brothers are out the door. That leaves two competent receivers who produce in different. Lemon though, looks to be the standout between him and Ja'Kobi Lane. While Lane had more touchdowns, Lemon produced more yards, showcasing his reliability. In a first full season for Jayden Maiava, that could be all he needs to be successful. If Lemon can prove to be a 1,000-yard receiver while still maintaining his route flexibility, USC could be in for a much more prolific season than they expected. Washington: Jonah Coleman While sophomores Demond Williams and Adam Mohammed offer a lot of raw upside and dynamism in the backfield, it is Jonah Coleman who offers the air of experience and efficiency required for this Washington offense to truly break off. Another steady workhorse back, Coleman perfectly balances out the unpredictable nature Williams brings to the table and the breakaway abilities of Mohammed. With 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, Coleman continued to remind everyone that even Batman needs a Robin. He has been one of the best Big Ten sidekicks in recent years and will continue that narrative in his final season. Wisconsin: Vinny Anthony II Vinny Anthony is not the sexiest Big Ten wide receiver, nor is he known for the highlight-reel kind of plays some on this list are capable of. He does get the job done effectively for the Badgers. In an offense holding out for heroes, Anthony has been a paragon of consistency throughout his career. With 672 yards and four touchdowns last year, Anthony proved that sometimes less is more. His 17.2 yards per catch furthers that sentiment and shows that Billy Edwards, the Maryland transfer, just has to feed him the ball, and great things will happen. Anthony is certainly capable of 1,000 yards, but the team has to support him better for him to reach that pinnacle.
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What to Know About Illinois Fighting Illini In 2025
The Illinois Fighting Illini are certainly a team that has come out of the woodwork in recent years. Under the reign of Bret Bielema, they have gone from conference laughingstock to a potential emergent powerhouse. With the likes of Luke Altmyer leading the pack at the QB position and linebacker Gabe Jacas anchoring the middle of a stout defensive front, the Illini are built to succeed now. The only thing that could potentially stand in their way is themselves. However, with one of the easiest Big Ten slates, they can finally start dreaming of a potential CFP bid in Champaign. Despite the fact that they have lost several key players both offensively and defensively, look for certain stars to step up and elevate their game as well. And who knows? Should they not slip, perhaps their dreams will become reality. 2024 in Review The Fighting Illini's 2024 season may have been one of their most successful in recent history. For the first time since 2011, the Illini were a 10-win program, going 6-3 within the conference. At the end of the year, the Illini were ranked #20 in the College Football Playoff Poll, #21 in the AP Top 25 Poll, and #21 in the Coaches Poll. After their success in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl however, they moved up to #16 in the AP Top 25 after vanquishing #14 South Carolina 21-17. That finish proved to be their second-highest ranking in the last 35 years and only their 12th ever appearance in the AP Top 25. Most importantly, they got back to 10 wins, tying a program record and also having a program-tying four wins against AP Top 25 opponents. Their Citrus Bowl win was the first bowl win since 2011 and their highest ranked non-conference victory since 1990. Perhaps the most stunning aspect of this shocking Illini season is that they were known for their comeback victories. Including their Citrus Bowl victory, the Illini led the nation in fourth quarter comebacks with 5 and consequently also led the nation in one-score victories as well because of their late heroics. Most of these victories stem from quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has led five game-winning drives in his Illinois career, most importantly, four coming in Big Ten wins. Now that Altmyer and 18 other starters from last year, there is hope that 2025 can be an even bigger breakthrough. Head Coach Profile Bret Bielema may just be one of the most well-renowned modern college football coaches. Whether it be his successful stint with Arkansas, or now revitalizing this Illini program, he has been making history no matter where he goes. Consider this: Bielema's 28-22 record in four seasons with the Illini is the second- best record through 50 games for any Illini coach, only behind Mike White of the '80s. Most impressively he is the first Illinois head coach to even win eight games twice in his first four seasons in almost 35 years. Furthermore, his 18 Big Ten wins, critical in this expanded format, are the second-most ever in four seasons behind John Mackovic with 22. Most impressively, however, might just be his performances on the road. No other Illini coach in their first four years has won more Bielema's four ranked road/neutral games. His 10 wins in Big Ten road games is tied for second best, only behind Mike White and tied with Lou Tepper and John Mackovic. Heading into his fifth season, Bielema's job is certainly safe. However, this could be a landmark year if he does what no other Illini coach has ever dreamed of accomplishing. Top Offensive Player Now that the Fighting Illini have lost two of their leading receivers from last season, the onus now falls on Luke Altmyer to continue his exploits in terms of leading this team to improbable heights. The former Ole Miss QB has certainly performed to expectation thus far in his short Illinois career. However, he might have to exceed them for Illinois to finally break through to the CFP. He certainly has proved he has the traits to do so. Last season, Altmyer was one of only four Power 4 QBs with 20+ touchdowns and fiver or fewer interceptions in the regular season. He also ranked 33rd in passing efficiency, a respectable placement considering the efficiency of the Illini offense itself. However, something that may seem slightly lees impressive to some is that despite finishing in the Big Ten's top five in terms of passing touchdowns, that number was only good for 31st in the nation. That tally must go up for the Illini to continue to sustain this recent success. Breaking in a largely green receiving will not necessarily help matters for Altmyer. However, the positive takeaways from Altmyer's 2024 season could pay dividends this year. Altmyer has continued the trend of recent passing efficiency success, with his 144.0 rating being the second best in the past three years. This continues a trend of efficiency within the Illini offense itself as OC Brian Lunney has been at the helm for three of the four best passing efficient offenses in program history. Lastly and perhaps, most importantly amidst Altmyer's accolades is his pedigree against Top 25 opponents. His 3 wins against Top 25 opponets are already the same number as several other Illinois QBs over the past 50 years. The sky's the limit for Altmyer and this year will ultimately prove if he can take off. Top Defensive Player The Illini defense was exceptional last year at almost every single level. However, there was one player who anchored it all: Gabe Jacas. In the middle of the Illini's front seven, he had one of the most successful seasons for an Illini defender in their history. In an All-Big Ten Third team worthy season, Jacas had a remarkable campaign. Against ranked opponents alone, he had 41 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. However, that only paints half the picture. His 3 forced fumbles overall were tied for 25th in the nation as well as his 8 sacks, which were also good enough for fifth in the Big Ten. Seven of those eight sacks came against Big Ten competition to boot. His 74 tackles were second overall on the team, and he led them in tackles for loss, sacks and QB hurries as well. In their bowl victory, he had a career high 3 TFLs to help them clinch the victory. Furthermore, in an impressive ranked win over Michigan, he had a career 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2.5 TFLs, and his fourth ever forced fumble in his career. However, the most impressive aspect of his career, is that he has been able to vault himself up to ninth in the Illinois football history books in terms of sacks with 16 to his name. Turn in a couple more sterling performances, especially when it matters, and his name could be one of legend in Champaign. 2025 Schedule Outlook The Illini may have gotten off easy in terms of their schedule this season. Avoiding Penn State and Oregon is one thing. Not facing more than two potential ranked opponents is another. However, that does not mean there could be cause for some slip ups, either. A couple of games that should be highlighted on the schedule are obviously the Week 7 matchup with Ohio State but also Week 5 against USC. Those could be the only two chances for the Illini to truly prove they are CFP worthy to the committee. Both USC and Ohio State should both be squarely within the AP polls at the time of these games so two big wins there could really boost their CFP hopes. They get both games at home so at the very least they have that advantage. Another intriguing game is their first Big Ten game of the season against the Indiana Hoosiers. One could definitely say that the winner of that game has the best fighting chance out of the Big Ten's Big Three to make the CFP. Indiana were the true surprise team, riding the high of Curt Cignetti and his JMU transfers to CFP glory. Illinois will be looking to do the same, on the road in what should be an electric environment. However, as last year proved, they are not averse to anything. This should be a thrilling campaign for Illinois fans if everything goes as planned. Everything is right there for the taking. They just can't let anything slip.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Illinois football's Luke Altmyer reveals why he spurned return to SEC
The post Illinois football's Luke Altmyer reveals why he spurned return to SEC appeared first on ClutchPoints. This offseason, a bomb went off in the college football world when quarterback Nico Iamaleava left the Tennessee Volunteers over an NIL dispute. It was significant because it was the first dispute surrounding NIL. When it happened, rumors started swirling about who the Volunteers would potentially grab out of the Transfer Portal. One of the biggest names on the radar was Illinois football quarterback Luke Altmyer. Advertisement Altmyer started his career in the SEC at Ole Miss but transferred to Illinois and has resurrected his career in his two seasons with the Fighting Illini. Brett Bielema gave him the keys to the offense and led Illinois to its first 10-win season since 2001. Due to their success, Bielema also signed a recent contract extension. On3 interviewed him, and the spring transfer topic came up. You can infer that he never outright said that it was Tennessee. He said, 'There were opportunities for me to venture onward to the next level, but also to be able to play in another program. That's just the reality, the NCAA and the college football world we live in. 'Being from Mississippi and in SEC country, it's desirable to play in that conference, in front of people I know, and in stadiums I've been in before and grew up watching and loving. It was certainly an attraction and a real thing. Advertisement 'It was a difficult decision, but I know what's important. I know what is being created here, and the trust, unity, and connection I have amongst my teammates, this community, and my coaches. The success is waiting for me here. It'd be foolish to pick up and start over and take a risk when I have a lot of trust that's been earned and built.' Illinois football has a chance for a historic season Illinois has a chance to make history this season. Altmyer is sticking with the Fighting Illini to try to make it to the College Football Playoff and have an opportunity to compete for a Big Ten title. Still, Altmyer did not miss the opportunity to have some fun, and 10 days after Iamaleava left Tennessee, Altmyer posted a GIF of him making a 'championship belt' celebration with the message: 'Keep the Champaign Flowing.' This made it very clear that he was staying with the Fighting Illini. Illinois went 5-7 in Altmyer's first season in 2023, but in 2024, they underwent a massive turnaround and finished 10-3, one of the biggest turnarounds in college football last season. They have an opportunity to make history this year, and it became very clear Altmeyer did not want to miss out on that.
