Illinois QB Luke Altmyer Prepares for NFL Draft with Senior Bowl Experience

Altmyer partners with US Cellular for 'Better Together' campaign highlighting relationships with teammates

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:39pm

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After a standout season at the University of Illinois, quarterback Luke Altmyer is gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft. As part of his pre-draft process, Altmyer recently participated in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, where he got to work with NFL coaches and showcase his skills in front of league personnel. Altmyer also discussed his partnership with US Cellular for their 'Better Together' campaign, which highlights the importance of relationships and doing things with people you value.

Why it matters

The Senior Bowl is a crucial event for NFL Draft prospects, as it allows them to demonstrate their abilities in front of scouts and coaches from all 32 NFL teams. Altmyer's participation in the event, as well as his partnership with US Cellular, provide valuable insights into the preparations and experiences of a top quarterback prospect leading up to the draft.

The details

At the Senior Bowl, Altmyer completed 5-of-8 passes for 21 yards and said he was 'challenged every single day, but in the best way possible.' He appreciated the opportunity to learn from the coaches and collaborate with other top college players. As part of the US Cellular 'Better Together' campaign, Altmyer is teaming up with former Illinois teammate Cole Rusk to share behind-the-scenes content and provide an inside look at how their relationship has impacted their on-field performance.

  • Altmyer participated in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama last week.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is the next major milestone for Altmyer.

The players

Luke Altmyer

A quarterback at the University of Illinois who is preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Cole Rusk

A former teammate of Altmyer's at the University of Illinois, who is also part of the US Cellular 'Better Together' campaign with Altmyer.

Audi Crooks

An Iowa State women's basketball player who is also part of the US Cellular 'Better Together' campaign.

Jada Williams

An Iowa State women's basketball player who is also part of the US Cellular 'Better Together' campaign.

Hannah Stuelke

An Iowa women's basketball player who is also part of the US Cellular 'Better Together' campaign.

Taylor McCabe

An Iowa women's basketball player who is also part of the US Cellular 'Better Together' campaign.

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What they’re saying

“I was challenged every single day, but in the best way possible. It was super beneficial for me, being able to be around so many great players, people who I respect across the country who've done awesome things like myself at their universities. To collaborate, to learn from, to bounce ideas off of them and to be able to conversate with some of the best around the country was just such a blessing and a challenge that was awesome.”

— Luke Altmyer, Quarterback, University of Illinois

“The theme of it is doing things with people that you value, that you're friends with, close with. The theme of it is, 'Better Together.' Doing things with the people that you love, that you value, is always better together.”

— Luke Altmyer, Quarterback, University of Illinois

What’s next

Altmyer will continue his pre-draft preparations, including additional workouts and interviews with NFL teams, as he looks to improve his draft stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Altmyer's participation in the Senior Bowl and partnership with US Cellular provide a glimpse into the experiences and relationships that shape the journey of a top NFL Draft prospect. His willingness to step out of his comfort zone and embrace the challenges of the pre-draft process demonstrate his dedication to maximizing his potential at the next level.