Illini QB Luke Altmyer named to Maxwell Award watch list
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Senior quarterback Luke Altmyer has been named to the Maxwell Award preseason watch list for 2025, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday. The honor recognizes him as one of 80 top collegiate players nationwide.
The Maxwell Award has been presented annually to the College Player of the Year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, who was a former standout at Swarthmore College and a renowned sportswriter and football official. Last year’s winner was Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Altmyer capped off a breakout 2024 campaign by starting all 13 games, throwing for 2,717 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, while completing 60.8 percent of his passes. He also contributed 217 rushing yards and two rushing scores. His leadership helped Illinois to a 10-3 record including a win over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.
A transfer from Ole Miss, Altmyer arrived in Champaign ahead of the 2023 season. Despite receiving NIL offers from multiple SEC programs, Altmyer chose to return to Illinois for his senior season—eschewing bigger markets for continuity and team loyalty.
Altmyer’s composure in high-leverage situations has been a defining trait: he ranks among the nation’s leaders in career game-winning drives in the final minute or overtime. His 2024 success earned him All‑Big Ten honorable mention and preseason recognition on Phil Steele’s All-Big Ten second team and Athlon’s third team.
As Altmyer headlines Illinois’ offense entering 2025, the focus turns toward how he might elevate the Illini to even greater heights, with expectations rising after a breakthrough Citrus Bowl win and return of key pieces.
