Illinois shocked college football last year by making it to the top 20. This time, a much-improved Luke Altmyer should be the key to helping the program make the playoffs. In fact, with a lighter schedule, he might just take the Fighting Illini to that much-coveted spot. However, Bret Bielema is looking at a major question mark ahead of the opener against Western Illinois tonight. But he has confidence that he will find a strong answer by the end of the game.

Altmyer returns as one of the best QBs in the Big Ten, with 2,717 yards, 22 TDs, and only 6 INTs in 2024. A reason why his interceptions were that low is because of the seasoned WR duo of Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin. This year, those spots are empty. Altmyer will be without his trusted supporting cast. But returning WR Hank

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