The decision to stay or go is a pivotal moment for any athlete, and for Luke Altmyer, it was a choice that shaped his future. After a stellar 2024 season, the quarterback faced a crossroads: enter the NFL Draft or return to Illinois for another year. But this wasn't just about personal success; it was about the impact he could have on a community. 'It was a season that was a lot bigger than myself,' Altmyer reflects, 'The fans, the community, the engagement with everybody involved was so impactful.'
The 2024 season was a turning point for Illinois athletics, with the Fighting Illini achieving a remarkable 9-4 record, the first time in program history they won nine games in back-to-back seasons. This success wasn't just on the field; it was also in the hearts of the fans, who expressed their gratitude throughout the year. 'That was bigger than myself. A lot of fun,' Altmyer said.
But the decision to stay wasn't without its challenges. The college football landscape is a wild ride, with a constant wave of change and a difficult-to-navigate world of coaches, players, and fans. 'It was wild,' Altmyer admitted, 'Just with everything [in] the NCAA that’s taken place right now in the world of college athletics is so crazy.'
Despite the chaos, Altmyer made an 'unselfish' decision to stay put, and it paid off. He had a career year in 2025, completing 67.4% of his passes for 3,007 yards and 22 touchdowns. 'I wanted to make an unselfish decision and play for a place that I had earned a trusted confidence, growth, leadership position,' he said.
The decision to stay was also about the future. Altmyer understood that playing at Illinois meant being part of something bigger than himself, a program that was hitting a new gear under head coach Bret Bielema. 'I wanted to set myself up for something long-term that was bigger than myself,' he said.
As he embarks on his NFL journey, Altmyer reflects on the impact he had on the Illinois community. 'I was glad to be a part of it, to kind of start that winning culture that’s really, I think, going to take off here in the next however many years,' he said.
The decision to stay or go is a personal one, but for Altmyer, it was about the bigger picture. 'It’s a great time to be a fan for the Illini,' he said, 'I’m very confident in that with their leadership. It’s great.'
