Overview
- Illinois players voted for six captains for 2025, naming quarterback Luke Altmyer alongside Tanner Arkin, Gabe Jacas, Josh Kreutz, Dylan Rosiek and Miles Scott
- Coach Bret Bielema praised Altmyer’s intentional leadership style and predicted further growth following his breakout 2024 season
- The Illini return 16 starters from last year but will adapt their passing attack without former leading receivers Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant
- After overcoming 2023 injuries and inconsistencies, Altmyer threw for 2,717 yards, 22 touchdowns and registered a 60.8% completion rate in 2024
- With a veteran roster and a battle-tested quarterback at the helm, Illinois enters the season with heightened Big Ten aspirations