Mark Taurisani Assistant Director of Athletics, Football Chief of Staff | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Mark Taurisani Assistant Director of Athletics, Football Chief of Staff | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer has been added to the Maxwell Award watch list, as announced by the Maxwell Football Club. The award, established in 1937, honors the College Player of the Year.
Altmyer, a junior from Starkville, Mississippi, has led Illinois to a strong start this season with a 5-1 record. The team's performance includes notable victories against top-25 teams Kansas and Nebraska. Recently, Altmyer played a key role in Illinois' narrow win over Purdue, throwing a game-winning touchdown in overtime.
In addition to being on the Maxwell Award watch list, Altmyer is also considered for the Manning Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Top-25. His statistics this season include 1,426 passing yards with a completion rate of 67.7%, 14 touchdowns, and only one interception. He holds a quarterback rating of 167.7.
Illinois will face Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday as part of its 100th Anniversary Rededication Game. This event marks exactly one century since the original dedication game in 1924.
Altmyer's achievements this season include being ranked as PFF's No. 18 quarterback nationally and No. 3 in the Big Ten. He ranks high in passing efficiency and touchdowns nationwide and has recorded two games with four touchdown passes each against Nebraska and Eastern Illinois.
He is noted for leading two game-winning drives this season and stands out as one of only two quarterbacks nationally with over 14 touchdown passes and just one interception.
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