After Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback class in the 2026 NFL Draft is up in the air, but Luke Altmyer stood out with a touch of class during his media session on Friday
15:12 ET, 27 Feb 2026Updated 15:12 ET, 27 Feb 2026
Luke Altmyer spent three seasons at Illinois
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Luke Altmyer spent three seasons at Illinois (Image: Getty Images)
The quarterback class for the 2026 NFL Draft could play out in a variety of ways - but Luke Altmyer stood out from the crowd with an understated touch of class.
The NFL Scouting Combine sees hundreds of prospects take to the field in Indianapolis to test their athleticism. Off the field, but still very much part of the circus, is a flurry of media who flock to speak to each participating player to understand their mind, mentality, perspective, and experiences.
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Every question is a test ahead of what many refer to as the most important job interview of a prospect’s life. But Altmyer is carrying more weight; Illinois has not had a quarterback drafted in the NFL Draft in over 20 years.
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At the Combine, Altmyer hopes to showcase three years of growth and his quarterback skill set to prospective NFL teams. Having spent two years behind Matt Corral and Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss, he committed to Illinois, rebuilt his confidence, and career.
Altmyer has a chance to become the first Illinois quarterback drafted since 2002. He was one of only three Power Four quarterbacks in this class to complete at least 67 percent of his passes for 3,000-plus yards and at least 22 touchdowns, along with presumptive No.1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck.
Amid his under-the-radar status, Altmyer took to the podium to speak to the media. At the end of his session, he made one very subtle, easily missed gesture that said a lot about his mentality and personality.
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer is hoping to impress at the Combine
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer is hoping to impress at the Combine
As the NFL Combine attendant tried to whisk Altmyer away, the quarterback ignored their pleas to take a question from a reporter who had been waiting through his entire session. Then he did it again, taking two extra questions over his allotted time to speak to reporters who had patiently waited.
Altmyer’s moment of class will be overlooked, but no other player this week did the same thing. Such class is much easier said than done.
The 23-year-old carried himself well. When asked about his work ethic, Altmyer quipped: “I don’t care if your job is mopping floors or cooking food or playing quarterback in the NFL.
“You do it as hard as you can and to the best of your ability. I was taught you take pride in your work, no matter what it is.”
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On his game, Altmyer was unrelenting: “I’m strong. I’m confident. I can make any throw. I kill people with my efficiency. I’ve seen it all at this point. I can get it done.”