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Illinois Fighting Illini Quarterback Luke Altmaier had an incredible night against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Music City Bowl victory, but it was the third quarter play that caught the attention of college football fans.
The Fighting Illini scored three points in the third quarter and had the ball first at the Volunteers' 41-yard line. Altmaier caught the ball and stepped back to pass. He faked a pass to the right and brought the ball into the center of the field.
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Illinois defensive end Luke Altmaier (9) drives the ball during the first half of the NCAA Music City Bowl college football game against Tennessee on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Altmaier ran away from the Tennessee defenders and ran straight into the referee. The quarterback bounced off the referee and made the first down before running out of bounds. It took the official a minute to get up. He would later score a touchdown.
Tennessee did make an average comeback. DeShawn Bishop had a 12-yard rushing touchdown early in the frame, and the team took the lead on Joakim Dodson's 94-yard return touchdown.
Altmaier returned and drove 13 plays for 65 yards to set up David Olano's go-ahead field goal and a 30–28 victory.
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmaier (9) looks to throw a pass during the first half of the NCAA Music City Bowl college football game against Tennessee on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Altmaier was 20 of 33 with 196 yards passing and a touchdown pass. He had 54 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Illinois posted the first nine consecutive winning seasons in program history.
“We don't have to read about other years anymore,” head coach Bret Bielema said after the game. “I think people usually either read about history or write history, and the history of writing this group, and I think we will continue to do that.”
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema yells at an official during the second half of the NCAA Music City Bowl college football game against Tennessee on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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Under Bielema, the team is now 2-1 in cup matches.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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