Illinois seniors Luke Altmyer and Gabe Jacas have been recognized on the Big Ten’s Preseason Honors list. The announcement was made Tuesday during the Big Ten Media Days held in Las Vegas. This list highlights the top 15 players in the Big Ten, as predicted by media representatives.
Altmyer, one of two quarterbacks honored, alongside Penn State’s Drew Allar, is considered among the nation’s leading returning quarterbacks. Last season, he threw for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns, playing a key role in Illinois achieving its first 10-win season since 2001.
Jacas led Illinois’ defense last season with 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. His performance included tying for the second-most sacks in Big Ten games with seven. Both Altmyer and Jacas are part of the returning starters from Illinois’ victory over South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
This year marks the first time Illinois has had two players on this preseason honors list. Previously, Jer’Zhan Newton made the list in 2023 after Nate Scheelhaase’s selection in 2011.
Illinois is projected to finish fourth in the Big Ten according to a media poll by Cleveland.com, which is their highest projection in fifteen years.
The Big Ten Media Days feature multiple appearances from Illinois representatives. Head coach Bret Bielema’s press conference will be broadcast live on Big Ten Network at 1:30 p.m. CT, followed by student-athlete representatives joining BTN studio set at 5:30 p.m. CT and Bielema speaking again at 5:45 p.m. CT.
