Bret Bielema Douglas C. and Linda M. Mills Endowed Head Football Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Bret Bielema Douglas C. and Linda M. Mills Endowed Head Football Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2025 Manning Award, according to an announcement from the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Altmyer is among 27 players recognized as top returning quarterbacks ahead of the upcoming college football season.
The Manning Award, established by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, honors the achievements of Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning in college football. It is unique among quarterback awards because it includes postseason performances in its evaluation process. The recipient is chosen by a panel that features national media members and each of the Mannings after postseason play.
Altmyer’s inclusion on this list follows other preseason recognitions. He has also appeared on watch lists for the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year, and Davey O'Brien Award. In addition to these nominations, he was named to Phil Steele's Preseason All-Big Ten Second Team and Athlon's Preseason All-Big Ten Third Team, received Big Ten Preseason Honors, and was nominated for the Wooden Citizen Cup.
During the 2024 season, Altmyer started all 13 games for Illinois and led the team to a 10-3 record, matching Illinois’ single-season wins record. He posted 22 touchdown passes with only six interceptions and led all players nationally with five career game-winning drives in either overtime or the final minute of regulation.
Other Illinois football figures have also been recognized on various award watch lists this preseason. Tanner Arkin is listed for the John Mackey Award; Hank Beatty for the Paul Hornung Award; Bret Bielema for both the Dodd Trophy and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team; J.C. Davis for the Outland Trophy; Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery for the Doak Walker Award; Lane Hansen for the Patrick Mannelly Award; Gabe Jacas for multiple defensive awards including Lott IMPACT Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy; Kenenna Odeluga for two community service awards; and Xavier Scott for several defensive back honors.
The last three winners of the Manning Award were Cam Ward (Miami) in 2024, Jayden Daniels (LSU) in 2023, and Stetson Bennett (Georgia) in 2022. More information about past recipients can be found at https://www.allstatesugarbowl.org/sports/football/manning-award/.
"Luke Altmyer – Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year, Davey O'Brien Award, Manning Award"
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