Looking ahead to 2024

mhuml32 · Nov 28, 2023

Chukwuwumba said:
Illinois on the list. A bit surprised.

Potential quarterback transfers in college football's upcoming 2024 portal cycle

After batting .900 in projecting QB transfers last cycle, we're back again for the 2024 crop — and casting a FAR wider net.

247sports.com

Lazy take.

Altmyer put up a QB rating of 131.9 as a sophomore starter (TDV's career rating? 133.0). He ran for 400 yards on a team that badly needed some ground game. Offensive line had lots of issues, especially in the first 7 games. He'll take a leap forward next year. Barring something unforeseen, I would be shocked if Illinois takes a transfer QB this offseason.

Altmyer - Starter
Leary - Backup
Michaux - Depth (no order)
Swanson - Depth
Petty - Depth
Huber - Depth

Ander1345 · Nov 28, 2023

mhuml32 said:
Lazy take.

Altmyer put up a QB rating of 131.9 as a sophomore starter (TDV's career rating? 133.0). He ran for 400 yards on a team that badly needed some ground game. Offensive line had lots of issues, especially in the first 7 games. He'll take a leap forward next year. Barring something unforeseen, I would be shocked if Illinois takes a transfer QB this offseason.

Altmyer - Starter
Leary - Backup
Michaux - Depth (no order)
Swanson - Depth
Petty - Depth
Huber - Depth

Petty is a sure fire redshirt I would think...

phats22 · Nov 28, 2023

AutoPoster 3000 said:
For me these are the key stats for Bielena’s tenure so far.

20 out of 37 (54%) games were decided by one score.

By my count, we have only lost games by more than one score 8 times (22%) from 2021 to 2023. And only Virginia, Wisconsin (2021) and Penn St, Purdue (2023) were losses by more than two scores.

It’s pretty remarkable how quickly bielema transformed this program from one that fairly rountineky was humiliated by blowout losses (remember 63-0?) to a program that very consistently plays competitively no matter the opponent. It’s an achievement even if it was accomplished with Lovie’s recruits.

But, unfortunately, I think that gets somewhat lost as a consequence of so many heartbreaking losses late in 4th quarters, which has a disproportionately negative effect on people’s perceptions.

We just missed bowl eligibility by razor thin margins in 2021. We just missed winning the B1G west and playing in 14 games and likely a prestige bowl by razor thin margins in 2022. We just missed bowl eligibility again in 2023 by razor thin margins.

It’s just really hard as a fan to fully appreciate how much this program has improved by objective measurements when we’ve had to stomach so much disappointment and bitterness from all the near misses.

For my part, when I hoped BB could make us a competitive team, I wanted to skip the painful middle process of going from terrible to competent to consistent...../S

It was clearly painful year, but as you eloquently state, in spite of the shortcomings we were competitive.

LA was statistically towards the top of the league when he went out and that was as a first-year starter.

Hit the portal hard, continue to build depth, continue to compete

Joel Goodson · Nov 28, 2023

mhuml32 said:
Lazy take.

Way too kind. Flaming hot trash

Illiniaaron · Nov 28, 2023

Fighter of the Nightman said:
I knew someone would say this, but I pretty clearly said the first task is obviously getting OUR house in order or none of this matters. My point is it is not like we are playing Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State at home and traveling to USC, Washington and Oregon.

I agree with your take on the 2024 schedule. Outside of the 4 obvious tough opponents, the other 8 games aren't scary at all.

aaeismacgychel · Nov 28, 2023

illini0440 said:
Yeah he is. And Altmyer is fine. That article is a joke

I was going to say. Just seemed entirely nonsensical unless the writer has been told that Luke is transferring. His numbers were quite solid in his 1st year, especially when considering the state of the oline in the games he played. Not sure how anyone could come to the conclusion "we need to move on" based on how he played this past season. Seems like the unquestioned QB1 next year.

GILL-INOIS · Nov 28, 2023

aaeismacgychel said:
I was going to say. Just seemed entirely nonsensical unless the writer has been told that Luke is transferring. His numbers were quite solid in his 1st year, especially when considering the state of the oline in the games he played. Not sure how anyone could come to the conclusion "we need to move on" based on how he played this past season. Seems like the unquestioned QB1 next year.

Agree

I have no problem bringing in competition/depth at any position. We haven't developed a QB in awhile, if that means bringing in someone to compete behind Altmyer for next season I am all for it.

InDaAZ · Nov 28, 2023

BZuppke said:
I’ve not analyzed them but Oregon as a playoff team this year - do they lose a lot of talent for 2024?

Replacing QB1 Bo Nix - the current Heisman favorite - will be a tall task.

But they are otherwise stacked with 4- & 5-star talent, and reloading with a top-ten caliber class coming in next year. Young and talented coaching staff, first-rate facilities, Uncle Phil - they have it all.

My guess is they will be punching in the same weight-class as UM & tOSU…

ptgrd23 · Nov 28, 2023

Orange County Illini here. My son plays catholic league.

Oregon and Washington are coming into SoCal and taking a lot of talent.

USC is losing lot of top 50 players from Mater Dei and John Bosco to the north.

Pete Carroll used to own both schools but the succession of mediocre USC coaches - Kiffin, Sarkasian, Helton killed the pipeline.

Lincoln Riley is an improvement but as you can see this year - USC is not a top 10 team

cuillini · Nov 28, 2023

Chukwuwumba said:
Illinois on the list. A bit surprised.

Potential quarterback transfers in college football's upcoming 2024 portal cycle

After batting .900 in projecting QB transfers last cycle, we're back again for the 2024 crop — and casting a FAR wider net.

247sports.com

This guy's crazy. Altmyer performed great for a first year starter this year. He will be a solid pick to start the next 2 years, and will only get better with experience.

cuillini · Nov 28, 2023

ptgrd23 said:
Orange County Illini here. My son plays catholic league.

Oregon and Washington are coming into SoCal and taking a lot of talent.

USC is losing lot of top 50 players from Mater Dei and John Bosco to the north.

Pete Carroll used to own both schools but the succession of mediocre USC coaches - Kiffin, Sarkasian, Helton killed the pipeline.

Lincoln Riley is an improvement but as you can see this year - USC is not a top 10 team

View attachment 29205

Makes me wonder how they'll fare with Williams gone and a pathetic defense.

Frumundawood · Nov 28, 2023

cuillini said:
Makes me wonder how they'll fare with Williams gone and a pathetic defense.

My hope is they’ll fare about the same as Nebraska in the B1G.

Ander1345 · Nov 28, 2023

As much as I hate to say it I think all 4 new additions have been better than us recently... which doesn't leave me optimistic going forward.

I've been hurt too much.

bluemountain · Nov 28, 2023

mhuml32 said:
Lazy take.

Altmyer put up a QB rating of 131.9 as a sophomore starter (TDV's career rating? 133.0). He ran for 400 yards on a team that badly needed some ground game. Offensive line had lots of issues, especially in the first 7 games. He'll take a leap forward next year. Barring something unforeseen, I would be shocked if Illinois takes a transfer QB this offseason.

Altmyer - Starter
Leary - Backup
Michaux - Depth (no order)
Swanson - Depth
Petty - Depth
Huber - Depth

Agree - LA has a high ceiling, higher than any QB we have had here since Kittner, maybe longer.

BZuppke · Nov 28, 2023

Talent they’ll have but experience is another factor.

Dkayak · Nov 28, 2023

cuillini said:
Makes me wonder how they'll fare with Williams gone and a pathetic defense.

What if Williams or Love stays?

illini0440 · Nov 28, 2023

Dkayak said:
What if Williams or Love stays?

He’s talking about USC and Caleb Williams

BZuppke · Nov 29, 2023

Some people are penciling next year’s 100 anniversary game against scUM as a loss. I think it is very winnable. Michigan graduates a ton of talent and despite the idea that you can simply plug in new talent - they won’t have the experience and perhaps the team chemistry to automatically maintain 2023 level of play. We almost beat all this talent in 2022. Very winnable game.

In addition to all the first team Big Ten selections they also had 3 second team.

CDRUSN · Nov 29, 2023

For 2024, assuming we stay reasonably healthy, I think the Illini will be fine at the skilled positions of QB, RB, and WR. Luke should show growth next season, and his backups are better than many we have had in the past. Led by Love, Feagin, and Laughery, the RB room should be loaded. At WR, I see Williams very likely coming back (dropped punts hurt his draft stock, and a solid senior year would position him for a higher draft pick), Bryant will be solid, and Hollins, Wilcher, and Elzy show potential to really contribute. At OL, DL, LB, and DBs, we have some talent, but too many holes and little depth. They need to be shored up, and I'm sure our staff is working hard to address those needs. K and P should be fine.
Another thing that needs to be addressed across the board is low football IQ. This needs to be a point of emphasis in spring ball and summer workouts. Time after time, the Illini killed momentum with jumping offsides, penalties away from the play, penalties after the play, untimely fumbles, dropped punts and kicks, and missed INT opportunities. We led the Big Ten in stupid mistakes, but good coaching and player awareness can make big strides in these areas.

Fighter of the Nightman · Nov 29, 2023

BZuppke said:
Some people are penciling next year’s 100 anniversary game against scUM as a loss. I think it is very winnable. Michigan graduates a ton of talent and despite the idea that you can simply plug in new talent - they won’t have the experience and perhaps the team chemistry to automatically maintain 2023 level of play. We almost beat all this talent in 2022. Very winnable game.

In addition to all the first team Big Ten selections they also had 3 second team.
View attachment 29215

Some may find this sad, but in the era of the Big Ten West, I am proud that we are the only non-Michigan/PSU/OSU team represented here!

john1952 · Nov 29, 2023

Chukwuwumba said:
Illinois on the list. A bit surprised.

Potential quarterback transfers in college football's upcoming 2024 portal cycle

After batting .900 in projecting QB transfers last cycle, we're back again for the 2024 crop — and casting a FAR wider net.

247sports.com

Luke Altmyer and Illinois haven’t had the marriage we expected. In my opinion, there needs to be a change at the quarterback position entering the 2024 season, though this is less about Altmyer leaving — he already transferred in from Ole Miss and would need to graduate to be eligible elsewhere — and more about the fact that Bret Bielema can't stand pat here.

Behind Altmyer, there’s senior John Paddock and second-year signal-caller Donovan Leary. There’s several different scenarios that could happen with Illinois quarterback room, but I'm calling for some major changes to the group in 2024.

Pretty difficult to find someone better than Altmyer at QB who wants to come to Illinois.

Illini IndyCar Fan · Nov 29, 2023

CDRUSN said:
At WR, I see Williams very likely coming back (dropped punts hurt his draft stock, and a solid senior year would position him for a higher draft pick)

Wouldn't it be ironic if the Illini get the benefit of a solid senior year from IW because of two small in-game moments that the online fanbase was very vocal about.

Illini IndyCar Fan · Nov 29, 2023

john1952 said:
Luke Altmyer and Illinois haven’t had the marriage we expected. In my opinion, there needs to be a change at the quarterback position entering the 2024 season, though this is less about Altmyer leaving — he already transferred in from Ole Miss and would need to graduate to be eligible elsewhere — and more about the fact that Bret Bielema can't stand pat here.

Behind Altmyer, there’s senior John Paddock and second-year signal-caller Donovan Leary. There’s several different scenarios that could happen with Illinois quarterback room, but I'm calling for some major changes to the group in 2024.

That's such a clickbait, hogwash article. And back to reality, the Illini are likely spending too much NIL on Luke to just abandon him:

Matt Rhule: "A good QB in the portal costs $1 million, $1.5, 2 million" in NIL

BRucks · Nov 29, 2023

Illini IndyCar Fan said:
Wouldn't it be ironic if the Illini get the benefit of a solid senior year from IW because of two small in-game moments that the online fanbase was very vocal about.

john1952 said:
Luke Altmyer and Illinois haven’t had the marriage we expected. In my opinion, there needs to be a change at the quarterback position entering the 2024 season, though this is less about Altmyer leaving — he already transferred in from Ole Miss and would need to graduate to be eligible elsewhere — and more about the fact that Bret Bielema can't stand pat here.

Behind Altmyer, there’s senior John Paddock and second-year signal-caller Donovan Leary. There’s several different scenarios that could happen with Illinois quarterback room, but I'm calling for some major changes to the group in 2024.

Pretty difficult to find someone better than Altmyer at QB who wants to come to Illinois.

Paddock is done.

john1952 · Nov 29, 2023

Illini IndyCar Fan said:
That's such a clickbait, hogwash article. And back to reality, the Illini are likely spending too much NIL on Luke to just abandon him:

Matt Rhule: "A good QB in the portal costs $1 million, $1.5, 2 million" in NIL

Matt Rhule: "A good QB in the portal costs $1 million, $1.5, 2 million" in NIL

Any "guestimates" on how much NIL money each of the Big 10 teams has in their coffers for securing talent in the portal??