Illinois' Katin Houser an Upgrade Over Luke Altmyer, College Football Insider Says.
IllinoisThe Illinois Fighting Illini enjoyed two memorable seasons with quarterback Luke Altmyer over the last two years, each culminating in a bowl win over an SEC opponent. Altmyer is now on the Detroit Lions ' practice squad after a solid preseason, while the Fighting Illini have turned to former East Carolina Pirates star and Michigan State Spartans quarterback Katin Houser to lead their offense.
On Wednesday, college football reporter Scott Dochterman of The Athletic shared his thoughts on college football's opening weekend and included a surprising take on Illinois ' new starting signal caller. Houser was called an upgrade over Altmyer by Dochterman in this week's column during which he laid out his reasons for choosing the Illini transfer over the team's former star.
"It's difficult to argue with Luke Altmyer's success the past two seasons with 19 wins and 44 touchdown passes. "Houser, who transferred from East Carolina , completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns and was on target — even with the Illini missing two top receivers.
"This week provides a major test for Houser and the offense with defending ACC champ Duke and defensive guru Manny Diaz coming to Champaign. "If Houser equals or exceeds his first-week performance, the Big Ten should be on notice."
KEY POINTS
- Illinois' Katin Houser an Upgrade Over Luke Altmyer, College Football Insider Says.
- Illinois football's new starting quarterback has one key advantage over Luke Altmyer according to a prominent reporter.
- Sep 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Katin Houser (4) scores a touchdown during the second half against the UAB Blazers at Gies Memorial Stadium.
- But Houser's arm strength is on a different level, which he displayed in a perfectly placed 54-yard Hail Mary to end the first half in a 42-23 win against UAB," Dochterman said.