Illinois head coach Bret Bielema continues to be the "Retention King."

Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer announced he's returning to Illinois in 2025, ending rumors of him transferring to another University.

Bielema told the media on Thursday, he had "0.0" concern that Altmyer would leave Illinois.

Altmyer is entering his fifth year in 2025, and he's experienced plenty of ups-and-downs in Champaign and throughout his college career.

He started his career as Ole Miss' back up quarterback, but transferred to Illinois in 2023 and was named the starter immediately.

However, 2023 was a struggle for Altmyer and the team, who finished 5-7. Altmyer passed for 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight games.

2024 was much improved. Altmyer finished with 22 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, and led Illinois to a 10-3 season, its best season since 2001.

It's worth noting that Altmyer had some good wide receivers last season who are now gone: Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin. The duo combined for over 50% of the receptions and yards.

But, Altmyer is returning to a good situation.

All five starters from the offensive line are back.

Illinois returns running backs Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin. The duo have dealt with injuries throughout their careers, but when healthy, they're good. Laughery finished with nearly 600 yards last season, including a monster 170-yard-3-touchdown game against Northwestern. And Feagin 6'5 and 230 pounds, and a good pass catcher, and was Illinois' starter before suffering a season ending hip injury. And expect sophomore Ca'Lil Valentine to get plenty of touches, who's only 5'10 but is very shifty.

In the tight end room, senior Tanner Arkin returns. He's a decent pass catcher, but is used better as a blocker. However, the exciting addition is junior Cole Rusk, a transfer from Murray State. He actually joined the team last season, but didn't play due to a torn ACL. He didn't participate in a full contact practice this Spring, but is expected to be available this Fall. At Murray State, he was an excellent pass catcher, finishing with around 700 yards and five touchdowns.

The wide receiver room could actually be deeper this season.

Illinois welcomes West Virginia's top receiver, Hudson Clement. He had 700 yards and six touchdowns last season and will be a junior in 2025.

Justin Bowick comes from Ball State. He's 6'5 and is expected to become Altmyer's "home run" target on deep throws.

Hank Beatty and Colin Dixon were third and fourth in receptions in 2024 and will see increased targets in 2025. They'll be used mostly in the "slot" so intermediate throws.

Junior Malik Elzy hasn't played much in the last two years, despite being a top recruit. With only nine catches in two seasons, this season could be his time to shine with Pat Bryant off to the NFL. But he'll compete with Bowick for snaps.

And freshman Brayden Trimble, a four-star from Mount Zion, has been praised by players and the coaching staff, and could see some playing time if he develops well this summer and early Fall.