Chambana Sun

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has been named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, according to an announcement from the conference office on Monday. Altmyer played a key role in Illinois' 35-13 victory over Rutgers, contributing 323 yards of total offense and five touchdowns.

Altmyer completed passes for 235 yards and rushed for 88 yards. He scored four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, marking a career high. This achievement made him the first Illinois player since 2013 to account for five touchdowns in a single game.

His 88 rushing yards were a season best, achieved on just seven carries with an average of 12.6 yards per carry.

Altmyer led Illinois to touchdowns on five of its first six possessions, including a 99-yard drive to open the game. By the third quarter, Illinois had built a 35-6 lead. The win marked Illinois' sixth victory this season and secured postseason eligibility for consecutive years, something that last happened in the 2010-11 seasons.

Altmyer previously received the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor earlier this season after Illinois defeated USC. He is now the first Illinois quarterback since 2008 to win two Big Ten Player of the Week awards in one season. He joins Juice Williams (2008), Kurt Kittner (1999 and 2001), Johnny Johnson (1993), Jason Verduzco (1992), and Jeff George (1989) as Illini quarterbacks who have won this award twice in a single season.

This week’s award was shared with Michigan's Jordan Marshall, who ran for 185 yards and three touchdowns against Purdue.

Illinois will not play this weekend but will return to host Maryland on November 15.