Illinois QB Luke Altmyer inspired by Drew Brees and Russell Wilson to model his NFL game

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has revealed his inspirations as he has grown as an NFL fan. The 23-year-old named Drew Brees and Russell Wilson as the players he looked up to for reshaping his game.

While Altmyer discusses his passions as a young NFL fan, the storyline about his future continues to gain strength. The 2026 NFL Draft board received an update regarding the young QB ahead of the selection weekend. Many reports have said that the battle-tested signal-caller is quietly becoming one of the most coveted late-round targets in this class.

For a guy who just spent the last few seasons resurrecting football in Champaign, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Altmyer didn’t just put up numbers for the Fighting Illini. He completely revolutionized their offense. Now, collegiate success is translating into genuine NFL buzz as franchises look for a reliable prospect who can anchor a quarterback room and eventually push for playing time.

According to recent reports, Altmyer is drawing targeted interest from a handful of specific organizations. Whether it is a team looking for a late-round steal or a front office preparing to aggressively pursue him as a high-priority undrafted free agent, his market is crystallizing as April 23 approaches.

1. Channeling the Greats

To understand what an NFL team is getting in Altmyer, you have to look at who he studied growing up. He isn’t trying to be a chaotic gunslinger; he wants to be a tactician. When asked about his biggest influences, the Mississippi native pointed directly to two Super Bowl champions who maximized their physical tools through sheer preparation. “Yes, the winners for sure. The people who win, who go to win.” “The great ones at this level, I take bits and pieces from each and every one of them,” Altmyer noted recently. “Drew Brees was such an inspiration not just for me but for all athletes. He’s in my boat for sure the way he played efficiently and during preparation. His locality and leadership was there for everyone to see. His accuracy, man, he was an all-time great.”

2. The Arizona Cardinals Connection

The storyline revolves around Altmyer’s future for now. If there is a perfect developmental landing spot, it might be in the desert. The Arizona Cardinals are currently navigating the Jacoby Brissett era, meaning there is zero pressure for a rookie to step in and save the franchise on day one. In Arizona, Altmyer would find himself in a remarkably familiar offensive structure. The Cardinals rely heavily on the run-pass option (RPO), a system where Altmyer thrives. Furthermore, having a bruising running back like James Conner in the backfield perfectly mirrors the strong rushing attack Altmyer leaned on at Illinois. If he ever had to step onto the field, he’d be throwing to an incredibly young and talented core featuring Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and tight end Trey McBride. It is a tailor-made incubator for a young quarterback.

3. Opportunities in Tampa Bay and Denver

Tampa Bay presents a different, yet equally enticing, scenario. The Buccaneers are locked in with Baker Mayfield, meaning Altmyer would serve strictly as a backup. However, learning the ropes of a playoff-contending organization behind a gritty veteran like Mayfield is invaluable. Plus, throwing passes in practice to young stars like Emeka Egbuka, a recent Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist, would do wonders for his development. Then there is the Denver Broncos. Head coach Sean Payton operates a notoriously complex, old-school West Coast offense. Payton demands quarterbacks who are smart, process information quickly, and aren’t afraid to fight for tough yards on the ground. Altmyer checks all those boxes. Even better? A move to Denver would reunite him with former Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant. We’ve seen the success of college connections at the pro level with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, or Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith. Bringing that built-in chemistry to Mile High makes too much sense to ignore. Of course, the draft is wildly unpredictable. If Altmyer somehow slips through the seven rounds, the San Francisco 49ers are looming. While NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the 49ers already have four quarterbacks heading into training camp, they are historically aggressive in the undrafted rookie market. If they feel Altmyer offers more developmental upside than current depth pieces like Kurtis Rourke or Adrian Martinez, Kyle Shanahan’s front office won’t hesitate to bring him to California. Ultimately, the waiting game is almost over. The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23, and will run through Saturday afternoon. While Altmyer is projected to hear his name called somewhere on day three, his relentless preparation and proven track record of elevating the talent around him guarantee that whichever team takes the leap will be getting a player ready to work from the moment he signs his contract.

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