Chambana Sun

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has been selected to the preseason watch list for the 89th Maxwell Award, as announced by the Maxwell Football Club on Monday.

Altmyer is among 47 quarterbacks included on the 80-player list, which features 14 offensive players from the Big Ten Conference. The Maxwell Award, established in 1937, is given each year to the College Player of the Year and is named after Robert "Tiny" Maxwell, a former standout at Swarthmore College as well as a sportswriter and football official.

Recent winners of the award include Ashton Jeanty from Boise State in 2024, Michael Penix Jr. from Washington in 2023, and Caleb Williams from USC in 2022. More information about the award and its history can be found on the Maxwell Award Website.

Altmyer's recognition comes after a strong season in which he started all 13 games for Illinois in 2024. He helped lead the team to a 10-3 record, matching the program's single-season wins record. Altmyer was noted for his efficiency as a passer last season, recording 22 touchdown passes against only six interceptions. He also leads the nation with five career game-winning drives completed in either the final minute or overtime.

His individual accolades include being named to both Phil Steele's Preseason All-Big Ten Second Team and Athlon's Preseason All-Big Ten Third Team for 2025. He also received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors for 2024 and was listed among nominees for the Wooden Citizen Cup. Additionally, Altmyer was recognized as one of the top 35 quarterbacks nationally by being part of the Davey O'Brien Award Class of 2024.

As of July 28, Altmyer is Illinois' representative on national watch lists this preseason.

"Luke Altmyer – Maxwell Award"