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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois football fans have struggled through years of defeat and heartbreak prior to 2024.
The Illini haven’t played in back-to-back bowl games since 2010-2011. Those tough times have only made a 6-1 start in 2024 even sweeter.
In many ways, Illinois junior quarterback Luke Altmyer’s story shares a similar path.
As a true freshman, serving as the backup for Ole Miss in 2021, Altmyer played in five games. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns and completed just 54.1% of his passes. He played in four games for the Rebels in 2022, with an even lower completion percentage.
Even in 2023, his first season with the Illini, Altmyer’s turnover to touchdown ratio was nearly 1:1. He briefly lost the starting job while Illinois dropped three games by four points our less, finishing one win shy of a bowl game.
In 2024, the Illini and Altmyer have both found new life. Altmyer has 17 total touchdowns on the season and just one interception. The Illini are bowl eligible with five regular season games still remaining.
“I think he has weathered, very nicely, through some storms,” Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. said. “Obviously, last year, went through some really tough ones. And, [I] was super impressed with how he carried through those. We’re seeing a different Luke Altmyer this time around than we did this time last year. I think his confidence is at a high, high level. He’s carried himself like that in the games, he’s competing at a super high level. His impact on the game Saturday [against Michigan] was negligible when it came to the statistical output but I think anybody that watched that game, and felt that game, felt his impact. Super proud of the way the kid is competing and putting us in a position to win. His team feels that, I know our fan base feels that. Proud of the way he’s playing, he’s got to continue to play that way.”
On Saturday, after Illinois took down the reigning national champion Wolverines, Altmyer spoke about the challenges in his past and how they shaped him.
“I think what’s proppeled me, what’s gotten me to where I am now and what will continue to happen, is remembering the past,” Altmyer said. “The failures, the scars, the losses, the embarrassments. Public humiliation has created what you see today.”
Altmyer also said an aware for the gifts which he believes God has given him has boosted his demeanor in year four of college football.
“Being able to put that on display as a sign of worship, and thanking [God] by using those talents to be my best self,” he said.
Altmyer and the Illini travel to Oregon next to take on the top-ranked Ducks on Saturday, Oct. 26.