The 2023 campaign concluded with an upsetting 5-7 record for Illini football. After making a bowl game in the 2022 season, Illini fans came into the 2023 season with high hopes that the team could continue on the path to greatness, but that simply did not happen.
The past few years have demonstrated that there has been and will continue to be talent on the Illinois roster. While it’s very early in the season, 2024 is already proving to be a different stretch of football for Illinois for many reasons. So, what’s changed?
Loss of star athletes, introduction of new blood
In April, Illini fans had to say dreadful goodbyes to some of the most beloved players that have come across the program. Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton was a force to be reckoned with on Illinois’ defense, but will now be demonstrating his skills on the big stage with the Washington Commanders.
Similarly, other noteworthy players are continuing their football careers in the pros as well, such as offensive lineman Isaiah Adams and tight end Tip Reiman, both of whom will be playing for the Arizona Cardinals. In the 2023 NFL Draft, other special players like defensive back Devon Witherspoon, defensive back Sydney Brown and safety Jartavius “Quan” Martin were recognized and brought to the professional league to further their skills.
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Essentially, Illinois football got hit hard with the number of players who exited the roster. However, there are plenty of new faces on the team that give hope to the fans. For example, Illinois acquired senior offensive lineman J.C. Davis from New Mexico, who is already highlighting his protective abilities on the field. Also, senior defensive lineman Dennis Briggs Jr. from Florida State and junior offensive lineman Melvin Priestly from Grambling State are getting fans even more eager to get things going this season.
Improved defensive efforts
One of the key factors that hurt the Illini’s 2023 season was their defense and the inability to keep up with opponents. There are plenty of talented players on the defensive end, such as junior back Xavier Scott, sophomore back Mac Reseitch and sophomore back Kaleb Patterson. The talent may be within them, but when it comes for them to take the field and break up plays, that’s when they really need to amp up their aggressiveness.
Fortunately for the team, there have already been signs of improvement from the defense shown during the games against Eastern Illinois and Kansas. The Illini have already forced eight turnovers in the two contests, with five interceptions and three fumbles forced. The secondary has led this effort, especially with both Scotts patrolling the passing lanes. Junior defensive back Miles Scott accounted for two interceptions and forced a fumble through two weeks, and junior defensive back Xavier Scott one-upped his fellow secondary partner, with two interceptions and one forced fumble, but also adding a touchdown to the mix. Not only do the athletes look excited to be playing out there, but they’re much quicker and sharper than last season. If the team can focus on their defensive pressure while maintaining the offensive heat, they’re sure to have a much more successful season this time around.
Second-year confidence for the quarterback
The 2024 season marks the second year that junior quarterback Luke Altmyer will be the decision-maker for Illinois’ offense. Altmyer finished out the 2023 campaign, going 65% in passing (1,883 yards total), with 13 passing touchdowns and 282 rushing yards. To sum up Altmyer’s first season with the Illini, he was good, but not great.
Despite the underwhelming first season, things have already seemed to be looking up for him this year. Not only does he have great receivers to throw to and solid running backs to rely on, but he looks much more comfortable on the field as a whole. After the team’s first game against Eastern Illinois, Altmyer touched on having more confidence this time around, and confidence means everything when you’re making the biggest decisions on the field.
Another thing to keep in mind with Altmyer’s second season at Illinois is a common trend amongst quarterbacks in their second year at their universities as transfer student-athletes. Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and Michael Penix are all examples of elite quarterbacks who had immense success in their second seasons at their transfer universities, largely due to familiarity with the program and increased self-confidence.
This is not to say that Luke Altmyer will be the next Joe Burrow, however, it’s important to keep in mind that the first season after transferring to a new program will never be perfect. Perfection takes time and dedication to achieve. Fortunately for Altmyer, he’s on the right track to being considered a great quarterback from Illinois, and only time will tell if this second-year transfer student theory is applicable across the board.
@tess_eken
