Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular

July 21, 2025

The Illini are preparing for football. Coaches and players are soaking up the sun before practice starts and the 2025 season hits.

If the Illini are to build upon last season’s fantastic success, one man will be the biggest factor in following up 2024 with a great 2025. The answer isn’t a shock, but Luke Altmyer, the Illini’s third year quarterback will be the man who defenses key on when trying to slow down the Fighting Illini.

Altmyer looks ready to go, but where does he stand amongst Illini Legends at the quarterback position like Eason, Trudeau, George, Kittner, Williams and Scheelhaase? With a solid season Altmyer will make some noise and shoot up the all-time records lists. With a great season, he can leave a lasting impression upon Illini football. Then again, the way the Illini have won, Altmyer has had a double effect on the team - statistics and wins!

Hail Mary #1 – What is In Reach for Altmyer if He Matches Last Season’s Performance, Or Performs Better?

Altmyer isn’t the type of person to focus on individual records and results. He certainly isn't one to talk about this or brag about his results, on or off the field. Therefore, it is easy to be surprised by the fact that Altmyer is poised to write his name in the Illini all-time quarterback leaderboards at Illinois. While Altmyer isn’t the type of player to toot his own horn, someone gets to put players in perspective – as Altmyer is too focused on what the team needs versus his own accomplishment tracking - I’ll do it.

Last year Altmyer threw for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns on 347 pass attempts. He also rushed for another 217 yards and 4 touchdowns. Not a bad year for Altmyer who enters the 2025 season with one year of eligibility left.

If he were to throw for 3,000 yards next season and match his 22 touchdowns, let’s look at what that would do for his status amongst Illini greats:

• Passing Yards – Altmyer would have 7,600 career passing yards at Illinois with a 3,000-yard season. This would vault him up to #5 on the all-time list behind Juice Williams (8,037) and just ahead of Jason Verduzco (7,532). That is an impressive feat.
• Touchdowns – If Altmyer were to throw for another 22 touchdown passes this season, he would end up with 57 touchdown passes thrown at Illinois. That would be good enough to move him up to #2 all-time behind Kurt Kittner (70) and just ahead of Juice Williams (56).

If Altmyer were to throw for 3,500 yards next season and throw for an Illini single season record tying 27 touchdowns, let’s look at what that would do for his status amongst Illini greats:

• Passing Yards – Altmyer would have 8,100 career passing yards at Illinois with a 3,500-yard season. This would elevate him up to #4 on the all-time list behind Nathan Scheelhaase (8568) and ahead of the same Juice Williams (8,037). It is worth noting that both Nathan and Juice were four-year starters while Luke would be a three-year starter. It would also put to rest the reputation that Bret Bielema “doesn’t like to throw the ball” that has been around since Bielema’s days at Wisconsin.
• Touchdowns – If Altmyer were to throw 27 touchdown passes this season, he would tie the single-season Illini record and end up with 62 touchdown passes thrown at Illinois. That would be good enough to move him up to #2 all-time behind Kurt Kittner (70) and widen his lead over Juice Williams (56).

Altmyer has done two things that won’t show up in a box score and while on-the-field performance is King, these two accomplishments are impressive and critical to the Illini’s ongoing success:

1. Luke Altmyer came to Illinois when the program desperately needed good quarterback play to elevate the team above its prior mediocrity. He has performed well in this role.
2. Luke Altmyer made the decision to stay at Illinois when he could’ve transferred to another team for more money. Luke made a huge statement, that he'd rather play at Illinois, and he is now in position to help duplicate the Illini success of 2024 - and set records for himself.

Altmyer is clearly one of the unsung stars of college football. The 2025 season gives him the chance to make his mark, not only at the University of Illinois, but nationally as the Illini follow up a 10-win season with high hopes for another excellent campaign.

Heat Check #1 – King Kofi #2?

When Kedric Prince, the IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting wrote his Marcis Ponder recruiting story earlier this week, I must admit, I was excited.

Kofi Cockburn may not be an NBA talent, but he was an intimidating and high-impact NCAA basketball player. Only Zach Edey was more feared. Every team had to game plan their defensive around stopping the 7-foot-tall man-monster. Kofi’s defense was solid, and his size made him a factor when opposing players went to the basket or a rebound inside. The Illini were rarely blown out of games during his tenure.

Once Kofi came to town, the Illini won basketball games. He was a double-double machine, and he would’ve had the chance to re-write NCAA record books had he stayed on for his full four years plus the COVID year (don’t argue with me about the logic of that year, the COVID year existed, and Kofi could’ve used it). Kofi and Ayo helped Brad Underwood return the Illini basketball program to a position of national relevancy that had been lost. I will forever be thankful to both players for their contributions to the program.

Marcis Ponder is 6’11” and 280 pounds. He is aggressive and has a motor that appears to surpass Kofi’s. Ponder is powerful and moves lightly on his feet. When one watches his film, he is the catalyst for Kofi flashbacks. He really does inspire visions of Kofi dominating in the lane for the Illini. I’d sign up for another few seasons of similar play, wouldn’t you?

I have no idea if the Illini will be able to land him against competition against teams like Texa$, Florida State and Indiana. But Orlando Antigua was a key player in landing Kofi Cockburn. Maybe he can get another imposing big man to come and play for the Fighting Illini.

I can’t wait to see how this recruitment works out; I'm all in for Kofi Part II or Marcis Part I!