Illinois QB Luke Altmyer Earns National Honors for Week 7 Performance

Luke Altmyer's breakout junior season hit a new level in Saturday's wild win over Purdue

Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) passes the ball in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer had his critics and doubters this offseason, the result of a turnover-prone, injury-shortened 2023 debut in Champaign.

However, six games through his junior year, the former Ole Miss transfer is on track to have one of the best seasons ever by an Illini quarterback.

Altmyer was spectacular in Week 7 against Purdue and the driving force in a chaotic 50-49 overtime victory. He accounted for four touchdowns, including the clincher in OT to receiver Pat Bryant, and set a personal best with 379 passing yards.

And despite getting sacked five times, Altmyer kept getting back up and making big plays.

Luke Altmyer 50-49 OT win vs Purdue
20-34 379 yards 3 TD
10 rush 60 yards TD#famILLy/ #HTTO/ #Illini pic.twitter.com/n9nwIHdwNk

— Chief Oskee (@ChiefOskee) October 13, 2024

For his heroics on a day that the Illinois defense was unable to hold a big lead, Altmyer has been recognized by two national award committees.

The Manning Award named Altmyer one of its Stars of the Week, while the Davey O'Brien Award included him on its Great 8 list for Week 7.

Manning Award Stars of the Week@lukealtmyer9#Illini // #HTTO // #famILLY pic.twitter.com/q7egKUSx9T

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) October 14, 2024

Through the first half of the season, Altmyer has accounted for 15 touchdowns while throwing just one interception. His consistency and leadership have helped the Illini climb to No. 22 in the latest rankings while beating two AP Top 25 teams in September for the first time in program history.

With upcoming games against Michigan and Oregon, the Starkville, Mississippi, native will have a chance to showcase his development under offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. to a much broader audience.

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