CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has been named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday, after leading the Fighting Illini to a 35–13 win over Rutgers.
Altmyer racked up 323 total yards and a career-high five touchdowns, becoming the first Illinois player since 2013 to account for five scores in a single game. The sophomore threw for 235 yards, rushed for 88, and guided the Illini on a 99-yard opening touchdown drive, setting the tone for a dominant offensive performance.
The victory made Illinois bowl eligible for the second straight season, marking the program’s first back-to-back postseason qualification since 2010–11.
This is Altmyer’s second Big Ten weekly honor of the year; he previously earned the award after Illinois’ win over USC. He’s the first Illinois quarterback to claim the honor twice in a season since Juice Williams in 2008.
Altmyer shared this week’s award with Michigan running back Jordan Marshall, who rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns against Purdue.
Illinois is off this weekend before hosting Maryland on November 15.