Luke Altmyer embracing the high expectations for Fighting Illini

Illinois is receiving a lot of preseason buzz following a stellar year, and there are plenty of reasons why expectations are through the roof, including the quarterback position.

Luke Altmyer led the Fighting Illini to 10 wins for the first time since 2001, and now the program is back in the national discussion. The initial AP Poll will come out on August 11, and Illinois could potentially end up with its’ highest preseason ranking in 35 years. That means the Fighting Illini are no longer the hunters, and will have a bullseye on their backs.

However, Altmyer has no problem with being the hunted, and welcomes the pressure because it creates diamonds. The team has enough veterans and leadership to keep the outside noise to a minimum, but Altmyer believes they’re ready for whatever comes with the territory of being in the spotlight.

“The way the team is set up for this year, we’re set up for a really good season, a special season that hasn’t been done here, ever,” Altmyer said. “That’s what we’re shooting for, what we believe, we expect to win, be great and be our best.”

Altmyer threw for 22 touchdowns in 2024, which were the third-most in a single-season for an Illinois gunslinger. The signal-caller feels he’s capable of more this fall, considering his growth over the past five months. Adding nearly 20 pounds of muscle, polishing his footwork in the pocket, reading defenses and passing efficiency are all part of a daily grind for Altmyer. He’s feeling more durable, and can now use his body as a battering ram in short-yardage situations.

“Just be a force out there, full, dense, adding a lot of volume to myself, while maintaining speed, agility and body control is a good deal,” he said. “I’m in the best shape of my life.”

It also helps that the Fighting Illini return all five starters on the offensive line, including All-Big Ten tackle J.C. Davis, who’ll be protecting Altmyer’s blind side. Blocking appears to be a team strength, and Altmyer appreciates their value to the offense overall, and expects adequate protection from the big boys up front.

“It’s incredible to have five offensive linemen returning, a group that is tightly-knit, unified and everything they do connects,” the 22-year old said. “It certainly makes the quarterback comfortable knowing he’s going to get protection from guys that are talented, work really hard and prepared every single time to do their best.”

Altmyer understands that he must improve in certain areas for the offense to make strides, particularly his accuracy. The former four-star prospect ranked 68th nationally in completion percentage. Not to mention Altmyer no longer has All-Big Ten wideout Pat Bryant in his arsenal, or Zakhari Franklin, who led the team in receptions last season. Which is why he’s building chemistry with his new targets throughout fall camp, and everything is looking promising so far.

“There’s a lot of depth, probably the deepest room we’ve had, but I’m ready for that one guy to emerge as the alpha,” the senior said. “I need a guy who believes in himself, going to be confident when the ball is in the air and they believe it’s theirs.”

Altmyer put together some impressive performances passing the ball, including his four touchdown tosses in wins over Eastern Illinois and Nebraska. Altmyer is loyal to Illinois, and doesn’t regret returning, despite the pursuit of other schools requesting his services.

The Mississippi native is confident that the best is yet to come for the program. Most importantly, Altmyer has intentions on taking Illinois to new heights, and delivering on all of the hype. The last thing he wants is for the Fighting Illini to be underachievers.

With home games against Ohio State and USC, the schedule is favorable for a serious run at a Big Ten Title. That’s fueling the team, and they want to prove last season’s success wasn’t a fluke.