The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer plans on taking full advantage. Altmyer recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Altmyer also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his comparisons as a quarterback, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Altmyer better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?
Luke Altmyer: We were prepping for our Music City Bowl game with Tennessee. There was a lot of speculation that I was going to get invited to an All-Star Game. I was very confident I’d get a Shrine or Senior Bowl invite.
I know how prestigious the Senior Bowl is. It’s probably the hardest all-star game to get that invite to. I’ve always dreamed about playing in it. I was anticipating an invite; I was hoping to get one.
I was preparing to play Tennessee when it finally came. I got a call from my agent. I was incredibly stoked when he told me I had been invited to the Senior Bowl. All the memories of me watching the Senior Bowl on TV came flooding back. I’m excited to be in that position myself.
I’ll have my moment in Mobile. There’s going to be some great competition in attendance. I know it’s going to set me up for the future. I was preparing for our bowl game, but getting that Senior Bowl call was a great moment of encouragement.
JM: It doesn’t sound like you needed much convincing, but what motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Luke Altmyer: I’m from the South. I’ve obviously always loved football. It’s usually the biggest names who play in the Senior Bowl to get ready for the NFL. The Senior Bowl is definitely recognized as the most prestigious pre-draft game.
I’ve always looked up to the quarterbacks who play in the Senior Bowl. It’s usually the biggest names and stiffest competition. For me to get an invite, I’m not taking it for granted at all. I’m ready for every aspect of this challenge.
When I step on the field, I certainly feel like I can be the best quarterback there. I’m going to believe that. I feel a ton of conviction in that opinion. I play the game with a lot of belief in myself.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Luke Altmyer: I have a lot to prove. I hope they see me for who I am. I’m a tough quarterback. I go about things the right way. I try to live a life of humility. I love playing football. I understand the magnitude of playing this game. I treat my teammates the right way.
I believe in the relationship aspect of football. I hope they see the love I have for the game. I hope they’re impressed with my abilities on the field. I’ve worked really hard to become the best version of myself.
I hope they see a kid who does the right things. I work hard every single day to be my best. That’s the honest truth.
JM: We love that. How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Luke Altmyer: I have some super creative abilities. I’m a dual-threat quarterback as a runner and passer. I can create plays. I’m not just a pocket passer. I make plays with my legs, but I do think the best part of my game is my ability as a passer.
I have the God-given ability to make throws from different arm angles and platforms. I think my ability to spin the ball is super unique. I’m ready to help an NFL team in the future. I think my knowledge of the game is second to none, my football IQ.
I’m a true student of the game who understands the Xs and Os, the schematics of all things we’re doing. That helps me be at my best. I’m incredibly effective and creative when it comes to making plays.
I do the right things to win the football game. That’s the most important aspect. I understand situational football. I find ways to win against great competition.
JM: We love that. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL quarterback, who would you choose and why? Anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?
Luke Altmyer: The NFL guys I watch and study the most, Joe Burrow would be one. I love how he plays within the structure of the offense. I love the way Burrow fundamentally plays the game. It’s great for me to watch him and then evaluate myself. He’s so fundamentally sound that it’s a great starting point for my own evaluation. He’s very methodical when it comes to body control. He’s very efficient. I watch a lot of Burrow.
Of course, I watch a lot of Patrick Mahomes as well for creativity. He plays the game in a modern way. The game has been trending toward off-script creation. There’s definitely something to take away from watching Mahomes on tape.
Lastly, I love the toughness and grit Josh Allen plays with. He plays in a tough climate up there in the North. His competitive spirit just jumps off the screen. He’s super fun to watch. I take something from those three quarterbacks.
JM: You posted career highs in completion percentage (67.4%) and tied your previous career high in touchdown passes (22) this past season. You also threw your fewest interceptions (5). You made some nice gains this year.
Luke Altmyer: It goes back to taking the right approach every single day. I evaluated what I needed to get better at and attacked those areas. It goes back to what I was doing last January, February, and March. I knew my approach would have a big impact.
I did whatever I felt was necessary to improve. I became a bigger student of the game. I didn’t let a day go by where I didn’t learn something. I studied the position. I watched individual quarterbacks, like we just discussed.
I watched old game tape to assess my performance. I paid attention to my feet, my body control, my eye manipulation. I wanted to do all of those things more efficiently. That’s what I attribute my success from this past season to.
I’m excited to keep building and moving forward with my NFL career.
JM: We’re looking forward to seeing it. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Luke Altmyer?
Luke Altmyer: Success on a day-to-day basis for me means doing the right things and being the best I can possibly be. I want to take advantage of every rep and moment I get. I’m approaching every day with a good, humble attitude.
If I do that, everything else will fall into place really nicely with my play. I’m going to play with confidence. I’m going to create a bunch of new relationships with NFL teams and coaches. I’m excited to compete.
I’m going to enjoy the moment, man. When I’m enjoying what I’m doing, I’m usually very effective. I’m looking forward to doing the right things and being at my best. I’m going to stay humble and build relationships that set me up for a good pre-draft process.
I love playing football. As long as I play with confidence, I’ll put myself in a good spot to have a great Senior Bowl week.
