LAS VEGAS (WCIA) – ‘Continuity’ is a word heard regularly around the Illini football program entering the 2025 season.
Illinois is bringing back 16 of its 22 starters from the 2024 team that achieved 10 victories. In addition, the team retains its offensive, defensive, and special teams coordinators, ensuring continuity.
In 2025, a quarterback and offensive coordinator working together for three consecutive years in less common than it was in previous eras.
Luke Altmyer, who earned Big Ten preseason honors after significant improvement in 2024, appreciates the chance to continue collaborating with offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.
“He has an excellent scheme,” Altmyer said. “He knows his stuff, can get creative, and think outside the box. Our relationship and communication are top-notch. I can grasp his thinking… He can also tap into my mindset… We really understand each other on a deep level.”
The rising senior QB says it’s no coincidence.
“We work tirelessly together,” he said.
Altmyer says he’s become more willing, over time, to be vulnerable and transparent with Lunney about what he likes/doesn’t like.
“A lot of understanding of what we are comfortable with [and] uncomfortable with,” Altmyer said.
After scoring 28.3 points per game on average in 2024, while tallying 364.8 yards of offense per game, Lunney Jr. sparked the interest of some other programs.
“There was interest, rightfully so,” Altmyer said.
After working closely with the Illini OC for two seasons, and finding quite the groove in the second, the Illini QB believes Lunney has what it takes to lead his own locker room as a head coach.
“He’s a great speaker, great leader,” Altmyer said. “He could certainly do that, and he knows that… I think he would love to be a head coach one day and do it at the highest level and lead a winning program – He can do it.”
From Luke’s perspective, Lunney has been a sponge in learning from Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and others.
“He’s ready for it, I’ll tell you that,” Altmyer said of Lunney. “He just – He loves where he’s at, I think, and he knows where we can go as a team. He’s going to get there – not if – it’s just when.”
While Altmyer has belief in Lunney, and certainly will root for his success if he does wind up leading his own team, he’s awfully glad to have the offensive mastermind staying in Champaign for 2025.
“For him to be able to be with me for my last rodeo, that just means to world to me – It really does,” Altmyer said.
Bret Bielema also spoke with reporters on Tuesday, click here for more from the Illini head coach.
