Illinois Quarterback Luke Altmyer Powers Music City Bowl Victory, Collides With Official in Memorable Play
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 college football season, Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer delivered a standout performance that not only secured a narrow victory over the Tennessee Volunteers in the Music City Bowl but also featured a rare and unforgettable moment when he ran over an official during a pivotal third-quarter play.
With the Fighting Illini holding a three-point lead and positioned on Tennessee’s 41-yard line, Altmyer took the snap and executed a deceptive fake pass to his right before charging up the middle. Evading defenders, he unexpectedly collided with a game official, bouncing off and continuing his run to gain a crucial first down before stepping out of bounds. The official required a brief pause to recover, underscoring the intensity of the encounter. Altmyer would later cap the drive with a touchdown, energizing the Illinois sideline.
Altmyer’s dual-threat capabilities were on full display throughout the contest. He completed 20 of 33 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 54 yards and another score. His leadership was instrumental in Illinois posting its first consecutive nine-win seasons in program history, a feat head coach Bret Bielema celebrated after the game. “We don’t have to read about other years anymore,” Bielema remarked. “I think people usually either read about history or write history, and this group’s writing history and I think we’ll continue to do that.”
The Volunteers mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, with running back DeSean Bishop scoring on a 12-yard rush and Joakim Dodson electrifying the crowd with a 94-yard kickoff return touchdown that briefly put Tennessee ahead. However, Altmyer orchestrated a methodical 13-play, 65-yard drive culminating in a go-ahead field goal by David Olano, sealing the 30-28 victory.
Illinois’ success under Bielema now includes a 2-1 record in bowl games, signaling a program on the rise. The Music City Bowl win was a testament to the team’s resilience and Altmyer’s poise under pressure.
For more on college football bowl games and team statistics, visit the NCAA official site. Details on the Music City Bowl and its history can be found at the Bowl Season official page. To review official NCAA rules and officiating protocols, see the NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations. For further information on Illinois athletics and program updates, check the University of Illinois Athletics website.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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