How Lane Kiffin and Bret Bielema Prepared Luke Altmyer for the 2026 NFL Draft
With his college career in the rearview mirror, Luke Altmyer is gearing up for the pre-NFL Draft process. After spending five years playing college football, he's now focused on the NFL Scouting Combine, a crucial step in his journey to the NFL.
Altmyer's path to the Combine was paved with diverse coaching experiences. He began his career at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin, known for his offensive mindset, and later transferred to Illinois under Bret Bielema, a defensive-minded coach. This unique blend of coaching styles provided Altmyer with a comprehensive understanding of the game.
In a recent interview, Altmyer shared his thoughts on his journey and the impact of his coaches. He recalled writing down his goals in a notebook as a kid, with the Combine being one of them. He expressed his excitement and determination to make the most of this opportunity, crediting his coaches for preparing him for this moment.
"The coaches that I’ve played for prepared me for it," Altmyer said. "Playing for such an offensive mind in Coach Kiffin and the way he’s able to think out of the box, and playing for a more old-school guy and defensive-minded coach in Coach Bielema, who really changed the course of my career and believed in me and taught me so many things."
Altmyer's dedication and hard work paid off in 2025 under Bielema's guidance. He led Illinois to its second straight nine-win season, a historic achievement for the program. During that year, he showcased his talent, completing 67.4% of his passes for 3,007 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Despite opportunities to transfer, Altmyer chose to stay at Illinois for his final season. This decision allowed him to showcase his skills and build momentum for the NFL Draft. He expressed gratitude for his journey, believing it has set him up for success in the next chapter of his life.
As Altmyer embarks on the pre-NFL Draft process, he carries the lessons and support of his coaches with him. His unique perspective on the game, shaped by both offensive and defensive philosophies, will undoubtedly contribute to his success in the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine and beyond.
