CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Luke Altmyer, the starting quarterback for the University of Illinois, has added another major honor to his growing list of preseason accolades. The senior was named Tuesday to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, which recognizes the top senior or upperclassman quarterback in college football.
Altmyer is one of 58 players nationwide and one of eight from the Big Ten named to the list, which is compiled by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation and A. O. Smith Corporation.
A 2025 team captain, Altmyer is entering his final season after leading Illinois to a 10-3 record in 2024, tying the program’s single-season wins record. He threw for 22 touchdowns and just six interceptions, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and national recognition as one of the most efficient passers in the country.
Altmyer also leads the nation with five career game-winning drives in the final minute or overtime.
His inclusion on the Golden Arm list adds to an already impressive preseason:
- Maxwell Award Watch List
- Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List
- Davey O’Brien Award Watch List
- Manning Award Watch List
- Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten Second Team
- Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten Third Team
- Wooden Citizen Cup Nominee
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is in its 39th year and honors quarterbacks who demonstrate strong character, academic excellence, and leadership in addition to on-field performance.
Recent winners include Shedeur Sanders (Colorado, 2024), Jayden Daniels (LSU, 2023), and Max Duggan (TCU, 2022).
Illini on 2025 National Watch Lists (As of Aug. 19):
- Luke Altmyer – Multiple QB and national player of the year awards
- Tanner Arkin – John Mackey Award
- Hank Beatty – Paul Hornung Award
- Bret Bielema – Dodd Trophy, AFCA Good Works Team
- J.C. Davis – Outland Trophy
- Kaden Feagin, Aidan Laughery – Doak Walker Award
- Lane Hansen – Patrick Mannelly Award
- Gabe Jacas – Lott IMPACT, Nagurski, Bednarik, Lombardi
- Kenenna Odeluga – Good Works Team, Wuerffel Trophy
- Xavier Scott – Thorpe, Nagurski, Bednarik
