Illini Football Quarterback room is as deep as ever

Following some big commitments from the class of 2025, the Illini football quarterback room is as deep as it has ever been.

Most recently, the Illini landed the commitment from 2025 dual-threat QB Jershaun Newton, out of Clearwater Florida.  Jershaun carries some strong genetics as he is the younger brother of former Illini All-American defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton. In 2023, Jershaun displayed an impressive performance for Clearwater Central Catholic. Throughout his Junior season, Newton accounted for 2,048 yards and 14 touchdowns passing, in addition to 1,020 yards and another 5 touchdowns on the ground.

Certainly, a great addition to the class of 2025, which already hosts a talented gunslinger in Carson Boyd. The St. Louis native stood out in 2023, totaling 2,224 yards and 29 touchdowns through the air for Cardinal Ritter. Additionally, Boyd earned another 576 yards on the ground, and 6 scores. Carson was the first to pledge his commitment to Illinois, following a top 3 performance at the Rival Camp Series in Indianapolis.

Dec. 1, 2023. Credit: Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leade

The Future

If the Illini carry every single quarterback that they have right now without any attrition, the unit will consist of senior Luke Altmyer, Junior Donovan Leary, RS Sophomore Cal Swanson, Senior Kirkland Michaux (PWO), Senior Jacob Huber (PWO), and RS Freshman Trey Petty.

Luke Altmyer is your no-doubt starter in 2024, and barring some dramatic changes, I believe he will be the starter again in 2025. In 2023, Luke was one of the better overall quarterbacks in the final season of the Big Ten West. Certainly, one would hope for a healthy progression moving forward. Of course, for Luke, there is hope for a high ceiling to finish off the final 2 seasons of his college career. With that in mind, I don’t foresee anyone taking his job in 2025.

Tight Competition in 2026

The end of the 2025 season will mark a very interesting beginning for Illinois Football. At that time, Luke Altmyer will have run out of eligibility. Furthermore, there will be a talented quarterback competition in 2026. Donovan Leary will certainly be the favorite to win the job, as they have developed under Luke. However, talent is beginning to stack for Barry Lunney Jr‘s Unit. Can one of Trey Petty, Carson Boyd, or Jershaun Newton take advantage of the moment, and win the job?

It is way too early to call, but I would assume Donovan Leary will be the guy following Altmyer’s departure. Leary has been very patient with the staff, and their plan for both him and Altmyer to develop together on the roster. With his future in mind, I would assume there is a plan in place for Leary to be the starter in 2026. Of course, barring any major changes to the room.

Photo Credit: Illini Athletics (fightingillini.com)

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