CHAMPIONS — Illinois has a Citrus Bowl quarterback.
And for the 2025 season.
Luke Altmayer said during a timeout of the Illinois men’s basketball team’s game against No. 1 Tennessee State Saturday night at a packed State Farm Center that he will return to lead Illinois next season. announced that it would come.
“I don’t know how I’m going to leave here,” Altmaier told the crowd. “I’m really looking forward to next season.”
Let’s create something special here in Champaign. I’m grateful to be a part of it, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
See you at the Citrus Bowl. #famILLy pic.twitter.com/PpQxf07wFw
— Luke Altmyer (@lukealtmyer9) December 14, 2024
Altmaier has thrown for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just five interceptions this season for the Illini, who played in the Citrus Bowl against South Carolina (9-3) on Dec. 31 in Orlando, Florida. He has a record of 9 wins and 3 losses. Illinois started his collegiate career at the University of Mississippi and went 5-7 last season, heading into the 2023 season.
Altmaier missed the final month of the 2023 season with an injury, then with Bret Bielema opting to play the final part of the season alongside John Paddock. But in 2024, Altmayer is the guy at quarterback for Illinois State.
The sold-out crowd at State Farm Center buzzes as Luke Altmaier announces he will be back for next season with the #Illini. pic.twitter.com/PVGKozIv4Y
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) December 14, 2024
Illinois has a chance to match the single-season winning record in the Citrus Bowl, and Altmaier was key in Illinois’ memorable wins over Nebraska and Michigan, as well as a dramatic last-second win over Rutgers. fulfilled its role.
Altmaier posted a 57-second video on social media announcing his return, writing, “We’re building something special here in Champaign.” “I’m grateful to be a part of it. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. See you at the Citrus Bowl.”
