Luke Altmyer among nation's best in passing efficiency categories

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Illini football quarterback Luke Altmyer threw for a career-high 390 passing yards, completing 19/22 passes for 1 TD in Illinois' 43-27 win over Purdue.

The performance is the first in Altmyer's career throwing for 300-yards in back-to-back games. He becomes the 7th Illini QB to surpass 6,000 passing yards in his time at Illinois.

In 2025 alone, Altmyer ranks nationally in several categories. Following week 6 of the NCAA season, he's the 5th best QB in passing efficiency with a rating of 189.68. His completion percentage of .736 ranks him 7th in the country, picking up an average of 14.43 yards per attempt through the air (13th).

Some argue he should be receiving more credibility in the national spotlight, but Bret Bielema says he and Altmyer are not concerned with the outside noise.

"The thing I love working about with Luke is Luke just worries and takes care of his day," Bielema said after the Purdue game. "He's got his own little study in our building where he can get alone and watch film on his own. He just does a great job of putting himself in a preparation mode to get ready for Tuesday's practice - execute, Wednesday - make corrections, Thursday - get the game plan together. I can't control the outside narrative."

Altmyer has come a long way from when he first transferred to Illinois after beginning his college career at Mississippi. After earning the starting job in 2023, he and the Illini got off to a rocky 3-5 start. An injury opened the door for backup QB John Paddock to take the starting position for the remainder of the season. Illinois missed the bowl season, ending the year with a 5-7 record. Luke spent the offseason refocusing on his goals and emerged stronger than ever.

"I've been in college for five years. Seen it all, good and bad," Altmyer said following Illinois' victory over the Boilers. "Using the good and bad to be better in said day, in the individual moment in the day and maximize everything I got."

In his junior season, Altmyer re-emerged more sharp than ever, helping lead the Illini to a Citrus Bowl win and earning All-Big Ten recognitions.

The quarterback's poise in late-game situations has been accompanied by composure by his Illini teammates, slating him as a NCAA leader in career game-winning drives in the closing minute or overtime.

"I've been in this business for a long time," Bielema adds. "I've had quarterbacks that play in the NFL are still planning NFL, and this guy is as good as I've ever had."

#17 Illinois returns home to host top-ranked Ohio State at Gies Memorial Stadium on October 11. Kickoff is set for 11am.