Luke Altmyer announces return to Illinois for senior season
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer announced he would stay at Illinois for his senior season on Saturday evening.
He made a video, which he posted on social media after it was displayed at State Farm Center during Illinois’ men’s basketball game against No. 1 Tennessee. Altmyer announced his intent to stay for another year and then stepped onto the court, thanking the fans for their support.
“I love it here,” Altmyer said to the crowd. “I don’t know how I could ever leave. I’m so excited for next season.”
The quarterback led the Illini to a 9-3 record and an upcoming appearance in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. In 2024, Altmyer threw for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He was also active on the ground, rushing for 219 yards and four touchdowns. He earned an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention for his accomplishments.
With the ever-evolving college football NIL rules, countless players around the country have entered their names into the portal. Many seek money from bigger programs that can afford to pay them. There was concern among the fanbase that Altmyer would be among those transferring and seeking a payday after a good season.
However, as he announced on Saturday, the Mississippi native will stay in Illinois. In his announcement to the crowd, he told fans he dreamed of playing somewhere like Illinois, with a supportive and passionate community. With very few seniors, Illinois will likely only get stronger next season. Getting its starting quarterback back is a huge win.
The Illini are coming off of a historic season. It is only the eighth time the program has won nine games in a season. Its 2025 recruiting class has been ranked in the top 50 by multiple media outlets, and with plenty of intriguing transfers in the portal, Illinois will likely be right back in the rankings next season.
Via. Ben Somerville, The Daily Illini
Signing Day: George Macintyre Signs with Tennessee Football
George Macintyre signs with Tennessee football after being committed since January.
Tennessee has officially landed their QB of the future.
This story comes following the signing day announcement that four-star George MacIntyre has signed with the Tennessee Volunteers.
The 6-foot-6 190-pound quarterback comes from inside the state as one of the highest-rated in-state signees for the Vols. He attends Brentwood Academy in Nashville, Tennessee.
MacIntyre committed to the Vols on January 22nd, 2024 over the Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers who both pushed extremely hard for the then five-star prospect.
MacIntyre ranks as high as 100th nationally and 8th at his position.
Via. Caleb Sisk, Tennessee Volunteers Sports Illustrated
Broncos QB Bo Nix Nabs Third Straight Rookie of Week Award
In a season of firsts, Bo Nix did something no other quarterback in Denver Broncos history had accomplished prior.
On Thursday, Nix was named the NFL's Rookie of the Week for the third consecutive occasion — a franchise record. Only former running back Knowshon Moreno won the award more times (4) in his inaugural NFL campaign.
Overcoming a slow start, Nix completed 25-of-42 passes for 273 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions in a 29-19 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. He set the club's single-season rookie record for most passing TDs (15) and became the first Broncos rookie QB to eclipse 2,500 passing yards.
"It's huge," Nix said of sweeping the Raiders. "It's what your goal is going into the season. They're a good football team. We played 'em two tough games. We got two good wins out of it. I know after last year, it was the opposite. It was a good win for us. Happy for the guys."
Via. Zack Kelberman, Denver Broncos SI
Auburn QB Walker White Debuts in Blowout of ULM
Auburn (4-6, 1-5 SEC) beat the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (5-5) 48-14, keeping its aspirations of qualifying for a bowl game alive for another week.
The highlight of the blowout win was the debut of freshman quarterback Walker White. After losing the backup job to Hank Brown, it was up in the air as to when we might see him. Ten games in, and we finally get to see him in action - even if it's just in a game-managing role.
White made five pass attempts and completed two of them for 18 yards. On top of that, he made four carries for 18 yards.
Via. Daniel Locke, Auburn Tigers
QB Bo Nix named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for October
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — October was Bo time.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for October, the NFL announced Thursday.
Nix is just the third Bronco in franchise history to win Offensive Rookie of the Month honors, and he is the first to earn the nod in more than 20 years.
Nix joins running backs Mike Anderson (September & December 2000) and Clinton Portis (October 2002) as the only Broncos to earn the league-wide honors.
The 12th-overall pick earned the honor over the span of four games, as he threw for 870 yards, seven touchdowns, one interception and a 102.7 quarterback rating while completing 66.7 percent of his passes.
Nix also rushed the ball 29 times for 149 yards (averaging 5.1 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. The Oregon product turned the ball over just once in October as he led Denver to a 3-1 record.
During the month of October, Nix led all rookie quarterbacks in passing touchdowns (7), passing touchdown-to-interception ratio (7-to-1), passing yards (870) and rushing touchdowns (2). He is also tied for the rookie quarterback lead in wins.
Nix reached several statistical milestones during the month, including setting the franchise's single-season win mark for rookie quarterbacks.
The rookie's most productive game of the stretch came in his final start, as Nix set career highs in completions (28), completion percentage (75.7), passing yards (284), passing touchdowns (3), total touchdowns (4) and passer rating (124.2) vs. the Panthers.
Against Carolina, Nix also became the first quarterback in Denver history to throw for three touchdowns and rush for a score without throwing an interception.
Nix is the first Bronco to earn rookie of the month honors since Bradley Chubb in 2018.
Via. Aric DiLalla, Denver Broncos
Broncos QB Bo Nix nominated for Rookie of the Week award
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has been nominated for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week award following a 34-18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Nix went 19-of-27 passing (70.4%) for 206 passing yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions against the Raiders. He also rushed for nine yards and a touchdown on Sunday.
Nix and pass rusher Dondrea Tillman were also nominated for the Rookie of the Week award following the team’s 26-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two weeks ago. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels took home the award in Week 3.
Nix is up against Daniels again this week and four other rookies:
QB Bo Nix: 215 yards, 3 TDs
QB Jayden Daniels: 320 yards, 1 TD
QB Caleb Williams: 338 yards, 2 TDs
WR Brian Thomas: 122 yards, 1 TD
TE Brock Bowers: 97 yards, 1 TD
RB Tyrone Tracy: 129 yards
Through five games this season, Nix has completed 61.8% of his passes for 866 yards with three touchdowns against four interceptions. He has also rushed for 119 yards and three scores on the ground. Fans can vote for Nix until Thursday morning on NFL.com.
By Jon Heath via. BroncosWire
Brock Glenn to Start for Florida State Against Clemson, Replacing Injured DJ Uiagalelei
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida State will see a new face under center this weekend as redshirt freshman Brock Glenn steps in as starting quarterback, replacing DJ Uiagalelei, who is sidelined with a finger injury. Glenn will lead the Seminoles in their highly anticipated matchup against the 14th-ranked Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Glenn, a 6'2", 215-pound quarterback from Covington, Tennessee, has been preparing for this moment after an impressive stint last season. He made headlines by becoming the first true freshman in 20 years to start a Power 5 conference championship game, guiding Florida State to a crucial win over Louisville.
With Florida State sitting at 1-4 and looking to spark a turnaround, Glenn’s performance will be crucial. He faces a Clemson team led by Cade Klubnik, who has been stellar this season with 984 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. The Tigers (3-1) are also pushing for head coach Dabo Swinney to become the all-time winningest coach in ACC history, needing just one more victory to surpass Bobby Bowden.
Despite Florida State’s underdog status, the team boasts a strong defense and sees this as an opportunity to rewrite their season narrative. The game against Clemson is a must-watch, as Glenn’s debut as the starting quarterback could signal the beginning of a new chapter for the Seminoles.
Via. The QB Reps Team
How Tennessee, Georgia football commits George MacIntyre, Jared Curtis are bound by common thread
Curtis and MacIntyre share the same trainer, QB Country Nashville’s trainer Thomas Morris, who uses the word “blessed” a lot when talking about them.
“You could see glimpses of (their talent) when they were young," said Morris, who also trained Minchey and Reed. "You knew if they kept developing and stay hungry, they could be something special. They have things you can’t coach and can’t teach.”
MacIntyre and Curtis also use the same sports marketing agency, QB Reps, to handle financial agreements as they navigate Tennessee high school football’s new Name, Image and Likeness landscape. The TSSAA amended its amateur rule in 2022 to allow NIL payments.
Curtis and MacIntyre both have multi-year endorsement deals with Leaf Trading Cards, as well as partnerships with Hattie B's Hot Chicken and several other deals that QB Reps does not disclose, their agent Peter Webb said.
"They've handled it fantastically," Webb said. "I think a lot of kids across the country get distracted with the new world (of NIL). But they've kind of let us handle the endorsement opportunities, kept focused with a great strategy of not doing a bunch of (appearances), being patient, and just trying to throw touchdown passes. They both look at it like, 'Hey, I'm really lucky.'"
Curtis and MacIntyre have chatted about the pressures they face and keep in touch by phone.
“We just talk about life, stuff like that,” Curtis said. “We talk about stuff like (the “overrated” chants) and laugh about it. I don’t think it really bothers him, and it doesn’t really bother me anymore.”
Curtis is 44-of-63 passing for 707 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions through three games for Nashville Christian (2-1). He also has 157 yards rushing and five TDs.
“I think in games, he runs around a lot and tries to get guys open downfield, which I can't see because it’s not something you can work on in training," MacIntyre said.
MacIntyre is 68-of-101 passing for 924 yards and three TDs with two interceptions for Brentwood Academy (3-1).
“He has a really tight spin on the ball,” Curtis said. “His release is really good.”
Last offseason, Curtis briefly considered transferring to Baylor, one of Brentwood Academy's Division II-AAA East Region rivals. Nashville fans would have had to travel to Baylor to see Curtis and MacIntyre match up on the same field.
Now, they can see one or the other most Friday nights. Nashville Christian coach Jeff Brothers, a former Brentwood Academy quarterback and teammate of MacIntyre’s dad, Matt, has noticed more casual fans at games. He assumes they want to see Curtis.
By Tyler Palmateer via. The Tennessean
Riley Leonard and Brock Glenn front and center in new Hollister NIL campaign
In an unprecedented Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) campaign, Florida State's Brock Glenn and Notre Dame's Riley Leonard took center stage as part of Hollister’s launch for their Collegiate Graphics Shop collection. This campaign became the largest single-day social media initiative in NIL history, with over 150 athletes participating with over 500 posts across various platforms.
Brock- rising star quarterback for Florida State, and Riley- Notre Dame’s standout QB, both showcased their school spirit by sporting Hollister's vintage collegiate apparel. Their involvement not only amplified the campaign's reach but also reinforced Hollister’s connection with the collegiate community.
Hollister’s collection, featuring 67 pieces from more than 30 universities, allows athletes and fans alike to express their pride with high-quality, stylish game day looks. Collaborations with these athletes such as Glenn and Leonard, create a powerful synergy between brands and their target audiences.
This strategic partnership underscores the evolving landscape of NIL deals, where athletes like Glenn and Leonard can seamlessly blend their personal brand with major retail initiatives, driving both engagement and sales. As the campaign continues, it promises to further elevate the profiles of the athletes involved while solidifying Hollister’s presence in the collegiate market.
Via. QB Reps
ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit Praises Illini QB Luke Altmyer Ahead Of Kansas Game
The Illinois Fighting Illini know today's game against Kansas is a huge opportunity for the program.
And ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit agrees.
"They haven't had a chance like this against a non-conference opponent," Herbstreit said on College GameDay. "I think it was 2011 that the last time they knocked off a non-conference, ranked opponent."
Herbstreit also showed some love for Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer. While Kansas features Jalon Daniels, Altmyer has a chance to make a statement.
"Luke Altmyer, by the way," Herbstreit said. "A lot of focus on Jalon Daniels. The kid at Illinois can play. He's got a lot of experience."
By Shandel Richardson Via. Illinois Sports Illustrated
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer was named Wednesday to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award preseason watch list. The award, named after the Pro Football Hall of Famer, is presented annually to the top upperclassman quarterback in college football.
Altmyer, a transfer from Ole Miss, started nine contests for Illinois last season, finishing with 1,883 yards, 13 TDs, 10 INTs, and a 64.8% completion rate. He also rushed for 282 yards and 3 TDs, including a 72-yard score at Kansas.
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list
Twelve other Big Ten QBs appear on the Golden Arm Award watch list:
Altmyer is the latest Illini to find himself on a preseason watch list, joining teammates Kaden Feagin & Josh McCray (Doak Walker), Zakhari Franklin (Comeback Player of the Year), and Dylan Rosiek (Butkus).
By Drew Pastorek via MSN
Notre Dame's Riley Leonard shows faith is top of mind during win over Texas A&M
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard’s faith was clearly on his mind as he took snaps for the Fighting Irish against Texas A&M on Saturday night.
Leonard used eye black to make a cross on the left side of his face, where it stayed throughout the entire game as the No. 7 Fighting Irish topped the No. 20 Aggies, 23-13.
Riley Leonard looks down the field Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) passes the ball against the Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
The quarterback, who transferred from Duke, went up against his former head coach with the Blue Devils, Mike Elko, and was 18-of-30 with 158 passing yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown pass. Instead, running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price rushed for scores.
Additionally, fans caught Leonard wearing a Bible verse around his wrist. The verse was from Matthew 23:12, which states, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Leonard admitted in February that his faith had been a factor when deciding which school he would want to transfer to. The University of Notre Dame is a Catholic institution.
Riley Leonard talks to Holly Rowe
Aug. 31, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) speaks during a post-game interview at Kyle Field against the Texas A&M Aggies. (Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports)
"Every single person in that city that I came into contact with helped me with my faith. I'm able to bring that here. Obviously that's the most important thing in my life," he told The Irish Tribune at the time. "When I go to bed at night, I’m not thinking, ‘How many touchdown passes did I throw? Did we win or lose?’ I'm thinking, 'Did I better my relationship with Jesus Christ? Did I treat my girlfriend with respect? Did I call my parents?"
It was clearly on display on Saturday night.
By Ryan Gayson via. Fox News Sports
How Alabama's Ty Simpson performed in season opener
Alabama used three quarterbacks during its 63-0 victory over Western Kentucky last weekend. After Milroe left the game late in the third quarter, Simpson led the Tide on three drives before giving way to Dylan Lonergan to close out the game.
Simpson was solid, leading the Tide to touchdowns on two of his three drives. The redshirt sophomore completed 5 of 9 passes for 66 yards and added 32 yards on a pair of carries, including a 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Simpson was 2-for-2 on passe that traveled 10-19 yards past the line of scrimmage. That included a nice strike to Kobe Prentice that saw the quarterback evade pressure to his right before finding the receiver for a 20-yard gain on his first pass of the game. Simpson’s numbers could have also been better if not for a pair of drops on shorter passes.
Excerpt from Tony Tsoukalas via. TideIllustrated.com
Luke Altmyer’s four touchdown passes leads Illinois past Eastern Illinois 45-0
HAMPAIGN — Luke Altmyer threw for 213 yards and a career-high four touchdowns to lead Illinois past Eastern Illinois 45-0 Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.
Altmyer spread the wealth while completing 19 of 24 passes. Eleven receivers caught passes, three for touchdowns. Pat Bryant had two TDs, giving him 11 for his career. Malik Elzy and Tanner Arkin also caught TD passes.
Kaden Feagin led Illinois’ rushing attack with 16 carries for 108 yards. It was his first career 100-yard game. He ran for a touchdown and so did Josh McCray. Aidan Laughery ran for 79 yards on 10 carries.
Illinois scored on all five of its trips into the red zone, outgained Eastern Illinois 486-196, and had 27 first downs to the Panthers’ nine,
Four Eastern Illinois turnovers were turned into 24 points by the Illini. Miles Scott caused a fumble and had an interception.
It was 31-0 at halftime.
Eastern Illinois had a promising opening drive, but Scott forced a fumble by running back Jay Pearson and Seth Coleman recovered on the Illini 23.
That turned out to be the Panthers’ deepest penetration into Illinois territory until late in the third quarter, when Dylan Rosiek chased down Eastern Illinois receiver DeAirious Smith after a pass completion, Smith fumbled, and Kaleb Patterson recovered on the Illini 13.
Altmyer threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Bryant following Coleman’s fumble recovery. That came on the play after an Altmyer-to-Zakhari Franklin touchdown pass was ruled incomplete and confirmed by video review after a challenge by Illinois.
Via. Associated press
IPM Newsroom
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard using NIL deal to give back to offensive line
"Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard was not sacked once against Texas A&M.
Now he is using his NIL brand to show appreciation to his offensive line. The former Duke transfer was set to sign an endorsement deal with Dick’s Sporting Goods for an appearance in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Instead of just pocketing the cash for the solo appearance, Leonard is bringing his entire offensive line. The Notre Dame players are scheduled to meet with fans on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. All the funds will go to Leonard’s offensive line."
Bo Nix Partners with Mizzen+Main
Mizzen+Main: "We are thrilled to welcome rookie starting Quarterback Bo Nix to our athlete ambassador family just in time for Week 1 kickoff. With new opportunities comes new pressures, and we take great pride in outfitting Bo for pre and postgame this season ensuring he’s as cool and comfortable as he can be as he navigates life on football’s biggest stage. Shop Bo's favorite Mizzen picks below, and be on the lookout for more content with Bo coming soon. https://bit.ly/475FR2E"
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard signs six-figure partnership with Rhoback
"As Notre Dame prepares for its season opener against Texas A&M, Riley Leonard has inked one of his most lucrative NIL deals to date.
The Fighting Irish quarterback has signed a season-long partnership with Rhoback. Full terms of the deal were not released, On3 has learned Leonard’s agreement with the activewear brand is worth up to $100,000. He’s repped by QB Reps.
The apparel company has emerged as a major spender in the NIL Era. The former Duketransfer joins a growing list of ambassadors, including Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Penn State’s Nick Singleton. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers signedearlier this week for a deal valued between $100,000 to $150,000."
Alabama QB Ty Simpson inks multi-year NIL deal with Harbin Automotive
Ty Simpson will be riding around Tuscaloosa in a new truck this fall.
The Alabama quarterback and former five-star recruit has inked a multi-year NIL deal Harbin Automotive. As part of the agreement, Simpson will appear at meet and greets and post on social media for Harbin Automotive. He could be featured in future advertising campaigns, too.
Repped by QB Reps, Simpson will receive a new Ford or Chevrolet truck every several months in exchange for his work promoting Harbin. To start the NIL partnership the quarterback will be driving a new 2024 Chevy Silverado.
“As fourth-generation business owners, character and integrity have been the building blocks of our 85-year-old family business,” said Win Harbin, owner of Harbin Automotive. “When NIL partnerships became an opportunity, those two things were non-negotiable for us. Ty embodies these qualities and more and we are excited to partner with him for the upcoming season and years to come.”
Via Pete Nakos, On3
Vizzina ‘Blossoming’ in Spring Practice
Going into spring practice, Dabo Swinney was hoping that redshirt freshman Christopher Vizzina would show continued growth this spring as he got more reps behind starting quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Ten practices in, Clemson’s head coach loves what he’s seen from the Tigers’ backup quarterback in that regard.
“To see where he is, that’s probably been the biggest plus for us this spring is seeing him and seeing his confidence, seeing his grasp, his understanding,” Swinney said of Vizzina following Wednesday’s scrimmage.
“All of us expected to see what we’re seeing out of Cade. We weren’t sure with CV (Vizzina). Through 10 practices, he’s given all of us a little bit of a ‘take a deep breath.’ I feel good about this kid, man. He looks like the guy that we thought he would be when we recruited him. So, I’m happy for him, excited for him.”
At the outset of spring practice, Swinney said it was Vizzina’s job to prove to the Tigers by the end of spring ball that he can not only compete with Klubnik, but also win games for Clemson if his number is called upon.
Based on what Swinney has seen from Vizzina so far this spring, Swinney feels the Tigers can win with Vizzina at QB if needed.
Via. Gavin Oliver- The Clemson Insider