If Champaign had any sense of doubt, Luke Altmyer isn't going anywhere this fall.
The third-year Illinois starting quarterback took to social media Tuesday afternoon to confirm the same decision he made last December: it's time to run it back once more. A 10-3 season capped off Illinois' best year since 2001 as Altmyer threw 22 touchdowns, only committing six turnovers.
— Luke Altmyer (@lukealtmyer9) April 22, 2025
Altmyer has unfinished business this fall as the Illini push for their first College Football Playoff berth in program history.
The Mississippi native has his doubters, too. Following Illinois' bowl win over South Carolina New Year's Eve, Altmyer told reporters he was bothered by the way the Gamecocks misrepresented the Illini for the Syracuse Orange. These remarks became personal for the ex-Ole Miss quarterback, making the game a must-win.
"Been hearing all this talk about SEC, SEC in the playoff and things like that, and I'm just tired of the disrespect," Altmyer said. "Illinois has been a disrespected program for a long time. I know that because I'm from that area and that conference. I don't think that's the case anymore."
Head coach Bret Bielema has faced his fair share of criticism himself, stemming from the T-Bar sideline incident that infuriated Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer. Although the incident is far removed in the past, it added another fuel to the fire regarding the team's desire to earn respect from the national media.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Altmyer's decision puts to rest any transfer portal rumors, much less any doubt when it comes to Illinois' ability to compete for a Big Ten title in the regular-season and potentially postseason.
Nevertheless, 130 days separate the Illini from kicking off the season as they host Western Illinois in an attempt to pick up where they left off last season.
For now, only time will tell.