CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – 2025 marks the final season of college football for Luke Altmyer.

The Illinois quarterback feels confident entering his redshirt senior year.

“I’m so confident and convicted that I’m such a better player from last year to this year,” he said.

Altmyer believes that the improvement in his performance from 2024 to 2025 might surpass the progress he showed from 2023 to 2024. That observation is significant, as Altmyer’s junior year already showcased substantial growth from his inaugural season in Champaign.

• Passing yards: 2,717 in 2024, 1,883 in 2023
• Total touchdowns: 26 in 2024, 16 in 2023
• Interceptions: Six in 2024, 10 in 2023

“I’m exhausting all my gifts – physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, to be my best,” Altmyer said.

The upcoming senior year presents an added challenge for the Mississippi native. With Illinois graduating its leading receivers from 2024, Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant, Altmyer will need to identify new primary targets.

As Altmyer explores his options among a mix of newcomers and returning players, he won’t passively wait for the next Pat Bryant to emerge.

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During fall camp, the seasoned quarterback has been actively working to build chemistry with his receivers and to discern the most effective strategies for each player. He considers another critical aspect of his role to be supporting teammates as they transition into more significant roles.

“Just guiding them through the challenges of stepping into a starting position, understanding the mentality required, the pressures, the expectations, the weight it carries, while helping them realize that they deserve to be there. They wouldn’t be in that position if they weren’t talented enough,” Altmyer explained. “So, there’s a lot of encouragement and a lot of teaching involved.”

Altmyer is also committed to mentoring the other quarterbacks he works with daily. Moreover, he has participated in recruiting efforts to help Illinois attract top-tier talent.

As he seeks to help recruit, or develop his current teammates at the quarterback position, it’s likely an effort he won’t reap reward from. Of course, that raises the point of Altmyer’s passion for the success of Illinois football beyond his time in Champaign-Urbana.

So, what does the University of Illinois mean to Luke Altmyer?

“A lot of people wrote me off coming off a 2022 from Ole Miss and even 2023 – coming off of that year too,” he said. “I just did the right things. And that’s thanks to the people around me here at Illinois between these walls and the community and just bringing out the best in me every single day… Challenging me and my mind and my spirit, getting out of my comfort zone. It’s been such a blessing. And the people here have been, you know, nothing but good to me.”

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The rising senior says it’s hard to fully understand or evaluate his appreciation for the Illinois football program, and all the people in/around it, while he’s focused on preparing to make plays on the field for one last season of college football.

“It’s something I’ll reflect on in the near future,” he said. “Just thankful, a lot of gratitude for this place, these people and their passion for the Illinois program. Very glad I can do it.”

One player hoping to become a consistent and reliable option for Altmyer is Rochester native Hank Beatty. Click here for more on how special teams helped Beatty stay involved with the team in 2024.