Illini QB Luke Altmyer named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list

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Altmyer also leads the nation with five career game-winning drives in the final minute or overtime. Photo: Metro Services/www.illinois.edu

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

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