CHAMPAIGN — Illinois has its quarterback for the Citrus Bowl.
And for the 2025 season.
Luke Altmyer announced on Saturday evening during a timeout in the Illinois men’s basketball team’s game against No. 1 Tennessee at a sold-out State Farm Center that he’ll be back to lead the Illini next season.
“I don’t how I could ever leave,” Altmyer told the crowd. “I’m so excited for next season.”
Building something special here in Champaign. Grateful to be part of it and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
See y’all at the Citrus Bowl. #famILLy pic.twitter.com/PpQxf07wFw
— Luke Altmyer (@lukealtmyer9) December 14, 2024
Altmyer has thrown for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions this season for the Illini, who carry a 9-3 record into the Citrus Bowl against South Carolina (9-3) on Dec. 31 in Orlando, Fla. He transferred to Illinois ahead of the 2023 season after starting his college career at Mississippi, with the Illini going 5-7 last season.
Altmyer missed the last month of the 2023 season, first with an injury, and then when Bret Bielema elected to go with John Paddock down the stretch of the season. But in 2024, Altmyer has become the guy at quarterback for Illinois.
A capacity crowd at State Farm Center makes some noise for Luke Altmyer as he announces that he’ll return for another season with the #Illini. pic.twitter.com/PVGKozIv4Y
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) December 14, 2024
Illinois has a chance to tie the single-season record for wins in the Citrus Bowl, with Altmyer playing a pivotal role in helping the Illini secure signature wins against Nebraska, Michigan and a dramatic last-second win at Rutgers.
“Building something special here in Champaign,” Altmyer wrote on social media in a 57-second video posted announcing his return as well. “Grateful to be part of it and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. See y’all at the Citrus Bowl.”
