Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer made a headline-grabbing announcement on Saturday during the men’s basketball game against No. 1 Tennessee. In front of a sold-out State Farm Center, Altmyer confirmed his decision to stay with the program for the 2025 season, delivering a crucial boost for head coach Bret Bielema and Illinois football.

“Building something special here in Champaign,” Altmyer shared on social media during the game. “Grateful to be part of it and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. See y’all at the Citrus Bowl.”

The announcement came via a hype package played on the arena’s big screen, sparking cheers from fans. Altmyer’s decision to return gives the Illini a steady and experienced leader under center for his final season of eligibility. Altmyer’s return couldn’t come at a better time for Illinois.

Luke Altmyer will return to Illinois in 2025

Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) scrambles during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Related Illinois Football NewsArticle continues below
Alabama head coach Nick Saban talks to the media during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame.
Nick Saban gives Ty Simpson major backing in Alabama QB battle
North Carolina Tar Heels new head coach Bill Belichick holds up the sweatshirt worn by his father when he was an assistant coach at New North Carolina Tar Heels new at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.
Bill Belichick, North Carolina land 2026 QB recruit over Auburn, NC State
Michigan tight ends coach Steve Casula watches warm up before the game between Ohio State and Michigan at Ohio Stadium
Michigan football TE coach earns intriguing promotion

After leading the Illini to a 9-3 record in 2024 and a No. 20 ranking in the final College Football Playoff rankings, Altmyer has become the cornerstone of the program’s success. This season, he threw for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, showcasing the efficiency and poise that helped Illinois notch signature wins over Nebraska, Michigan, and Kansas.

Illinois will face No. 15 South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, aiming for its first bowl victory under Bielema. Altmyer’s leadership will be pivotal as the Illini look to match their best-ever win total of 10 games and secure back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 14 years.

Altmyer’s impact goes beyond the numbers. Known for his clutch performances, he has orchestrated five game-winning drives during his two seasons with Illinois, including three game-winning touchdown passes this season—an NCAA high. These moments have cemented Altmyer’s reputation as one of college football’s most reliable quarterbacks in crunch time.

Though the Illini will be without standout receiver Pat Bryant, who declared for the NFL Draft and will miss the Citrus Bowl, the program remains optimistic. Illinois was one of the youngest teams in the FBS this season, and Bielema has opportunities to bolster the roster through the transfer portal. With Altmyer’s return, Illinois is well-positioned to contend for another strong campaign in 2025. Altmyer’s commitment is a clear signal that he believes in the direction of the program under Bielema’s leadership. For Illini fans, the quarterback’s decision to stay sets the stage for what could be another historic season in Champaign.