CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, the Davey O’Brien Foundation announced Wednesday. The award, first presented in 1977, honors the nation’s best college quarterback and is considered the sport’s oldest and most prestigious quarterback honor.
Altmyer has been among the most efficient and dynamic quarterbacks in the country this season. He ranks sixth nationally in passing efficiency (165.0), 10th in completion percentage (70.0), 17th in touchdown passes (19), and 26th in passing yards (2,255). He’s also added 108 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
The senior signal-caller has guided Illinois to a 6–3 record, highlighted by a dramatic 34–32 win over then–No. 21 USC, when he accounted for four touchdowns — one passing, one receiving, and one rushing — becoming the first Big Ten player since 2011 to score in all three ways in a single conference game.
Since transferring to Illinois in 2022, Altmyer has led the Illini to 20 victories as a starter, the third most by a quarterback in school history. He currently sits fifth all-time at Illinois with 54 touchdown passes and seventh in career passing yards with 6,855.
Fan participation will again play a role in the selection process. The top three finalists will be determined through votes from the Davey O’Brien National Selection Committee and bonus ballots awarded via the Davey O’Brien Fan Vote on social media platforms. Fans can vote by liking official posts from @daveyobrien on Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter) through Friday, November 21 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
The three finalists will be announced Tuesday, November 25, and the winner will be unveiled live on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards on Friday, December 12. The honoree will be recognized at the 49th Annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner on February 16, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas.
For more information about the award and full list of semifinalists, visit www.daveyobrienaward.com
