College football fans, brace yourselves: the Illini’s dynamic duo, QB Luke Altmyer and WR Hank Beatty, are rewriting the playbook—and it’s about time we ask, are they the most underrated stars in the game right now? With the season halfway through, their meteoric rise demands attention. But here’s where it gets controversial: could they be on the brink of not just team success, but individual glory that rivals the sport’s biggest awards? Let’s dive in.
First, let’s talk about Luke Altmyer. Remember his 2023 debut after transferring from Ole Miss? It was solid, but not spectacular. Fast forward to now, and he’s transformed into a quarterback who’s not just leading the Illini but making a case for national recognition. Last season, he threw for 2,717 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions—a far cry from his 10 picks in 2023. This season? Through six games, he’s already at 1,573 yards, 12 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Yes, you read that right—zero. If he keeps this pace, he’s looking at 3,407 yards and 26 touchdowns, numbers that scream Davey O’Brien Award contender. And this is the part most people miss: he’s doing all this without last season’s top two receivers, Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin. Talk about stepping up.
But what’s truly bold is this: if the Illini crash the College Football Playoff and Altmyer keeps this up, could we hear his name in Heisman conversations? It’s not out of the question. His poise, preparation, and ability to ‘shut out the noise,’ as Illinois head coach Bret Bielema puts it, make him a quarterback to watch. Bielema even highlights Altmyer’s meticulous preparation, noting, ‘He has his own study in the building where he can get alone and watch films.’ That dedication is paying off—big time.
Now, let’s shift to Hank Beatty, the receiver who’s flying under the radar no more. At first glance, his 569 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns might not jump off the page. But dig deeper, and you’ll find a player who’s a Swiss Army knife on the field. Add his special teams contributions—nine punt returns for 170 yards and a touchdown, plus rushing and passing touchdowns—and you’ve got a player with 767 all-purpose yards and four scores. If he boosts his touchdown receptions while maintaining his yardage, the Biletnikoff Award could be within reach. But here’s the kicker: to truly contend, he’d need to double his touchdown pace, which raises the question—can he do it?
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: the connection between Altmyer and Beatty. Bielema notes, ‘Luke has a high comfort level throwing him the ball… he knows what [Beatty]’s going to do after the catch.’ That chemistry is undeniable, and it’s a big reason why Beatty could be NFL-bound next season. But let’s spark some debate: is Beatty’s versatility enough to overshadow his relatively low touchdown count? Or does he need to prove himself as a pure receiver to earn national acclaim?
Here’s the bottom line: Altmyer and Beatty aren’t just carrying the Illini—they’re redefining what it means to be a quarterback-receiver duo in college football. But we want to hear from you: Are they the real deal, or is their success a product of favorable circumstances? And more importantly, do they deserve a spot in the Heisman and Biletnikoff conversations? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
