Illinois QB Luke Altmyer Prepares for Final Game in Music City Bowl

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — The Illinois Fighting Illini are not only looking for their ninth win of the season, but also saying goodbye to one of their all-time great quarterbacks, Luke Altmyer. Altmyer will play his final game for the Illini against Tennessee in the Music City Bowl on Tuesday.

Altmyer, who transferred to Illinois from Ole Miss, has made a significant impact during his three years with the team. He is currently tied with Juice Williams for the most passing touchdowns in Illinois history, with a total of 56. Altmyer also holds the sixth position for all-time passing yards with 7,411 and is on the verge of surpassing Jason Verduzco’s fifth-place record if he throws for at least 123 yards against the Volunteers.

In addition to his records, Altmyer is vying to become only the second Illinois quarterback to win two bowl games, having already secured a victory in the 2024 Citrus Bowl. The only player ahead of him in this category is Nathan Scheelhaase, who led the Illini to wins in back-to-back bowl games in 2010 and 2011.

However, Altmyer and the Fighting Illini will be facing challenges as several key players opt out of the game. Notable absentees include edge rusher Gabe Jacas, who had a standout season with 43 tackles and 11 sacks, and leading tackler Matthew Bailey.

The Tennessee Volunteers face their own absences, with leading tackler Arion Carter and first-round prospect cornerback Colton Hood opting out of the contest. The kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema expressed confidence in Altmyer’s abilities. “There’s nobody in this country I’d rather be on this field with than Luke Altmyer,” Bielema said.