Luke Altmyer might’ve flown under the radar when he first landed at Illinois in 2023, but he’s not sneaking up on anyone anymore. After transferring in from Ole Miss, there were questions. Could he handle Big Ten football? Was he the right fit for Bret Bielema’s system? And now, those doubts have turned into confidence, and for good reason. Altmyer doesn’t just look comfortable; he looks ready. Ready to lead, ready to win, and maybe ready to take this Illinois team somewhere they haven’t been in a long, long time.
Altmyer is a kind of QB who lets his play speak, and last season it spoke volumes. And in the Big Ten, that wins you games. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Illinois legend and Big Ten Network analyst Howard Griffith just weighed in on what makes Altmyer so dangerous heading into 2025, and trust us, his praise wasn’t subtle; those words can literally have Illini fans fired up.
“He truly continues to get better every year, right? So you think about where he is now; he’s seen a lot. Nothing’s going to really surprise him. The communication with the offensive coordinator is going to be outstanding this year.” Griffith said during his recent appearance on Illini Inquirer: Illinois on 247Sports. He’s seen Luke get comfortable in the pocket and build chemistry with his coaches. And it’s very important for QBs to develop things like this, especially when you’re competing in a conference like the Big Ten.
“And I think just his ability to get Illinois’s offense out of bad plays when those types of situations happen, take care of the football, and be able to move the team down the field with the offensive line and a good run game,” Griffith added. Altmyer showed all these things last year for Illinois, and his numbers are proof of that. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 195 pounds, he threw for 2,717 yards with 22 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions in 2024.
And don’t forget those running stats. 99 rushing attempts for 217 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns in 2024. He’s more than a pocket passer; he’s a dual-threat escape artist. It’s like he thrives under pressure, even steering Illinois to dramatic fourth-quarter comebacks, and that 10-3 finish was capped with a Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina (21-17). So things are pretty cool while we talk about Illinois’ QB, but are the receivers and run game enough?
Luke Altmyer’s ceiling depends on the weapons around him
Altmyer can only go as far as his weapons allow; he can’t do it all alone. For Altmyer to thrive this season, he’s going to need the pieces around him to step up big, especially at receiver. The O-line has improved, the run game looks strong, but those outside weapons? That’s where the questions still linger. Someone in that receiver room has to emerge. And that’s what Griffith thinks, too.
“Yeah, they have to show it, the receivers, but I think the run game that’s a part of this—this is really easy to evaluate because you know you’re going to have the holes wide open,” Griffith said. While the receiving corps is still a work in progress, he believes the run game will be a huge part of the Illini’s identity. Griffith also sees guys like Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin as more than just runners; they’re Elephants in the passing mix, too. And they’ve got to show that in the upcoming fall.
So, if Illinois gets healthier, receivers develop, and Altmyer keeps cooking, we’re looking at a team primed to punch above its weight. As Griffith said, “I think he can make quite a few challenges to who is the best quarterback in this conference this year.” Get ready; things are about to get really interesting in Champaign.
The post Luke Altmyer Receives Illinois Legend’s Honest Verdict as Strong Ultimatum Hits Bret Bielema appeared first on EssentiallySports.