Illinois football has a storied history of sending talent to the NFL, and under Bret Bielema, that trend continues to grow. However, one position has remained elusive: quarterback.
It's been a while since the Illini had a quarterback drafted, with Kurt Kittner being the last in 2002. But the tide might be turning with Luke Altmyer leading the charge.
Altmyer is the hope for Illinois fans eager to see a quarterback make it to the next level. His journey to the NFL Draft is a three-step showcase, and he’s already checked off the first box with an impressive 2025 season. Throwing for 3,007 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, his 67.4% completion rate certainly caught some eyes.
The next step is the NFL Draft Combine, where Altmyer will demonstrate his skills in front of scouts. As he prepares to take the stage in Indianapolis, he’s rated as the 14th quarterback out of 16 invitees, with a grade of 5.68. This is a crucial moment for him to elevate his draft stock.
Following the Combine, Altmyer will have another opportunity to shine during Illinois’ pro day in mid-March. This event will allow him to showcase his arm strength, timing, and other attributes that scouts are eager to evaluate.
Altmyer is no stranger to competition. In 2024, he faced off against Jalon Daniels from Kansas, outperforming him with 192 yards and a solid QBR.
More recently, he bested Tennessee's Joey Aguilar in a bowl game, throwing for 196 yards and a touchdown. He’s also familiar with top prospects like Fernando Mendoza and Drew Allar.
As Altmyer steps into this next phase, the anticipation is palpable. Illinois is on the brink of having another quarterback drafted into the NFL, and Altmyer’s journey is a testament to the program’s potential resurgence at the position. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining if he can break the long-standing drought and make his mark in the NFL.