Altmyer Magic, Olano’s Kick Lift Illinois Over USC in Homecoming Classic

by: Michael Sanders

CHAMPAIGN — In front of a packed Homecoming crowd at Memorial Stadium, Illinois delivered a finish that fans will be talking about for years. David Olano drilled a 41-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the No. 23 Illini to a 34-32 upset over No. 21 USC.

It was the kind of ending that cemented Luke Altmyer’s reputation as college football’s ultimate closer. With less than two minutes left and Illinois trailing by one, the junior quarterback engineered his sixth career game-winning drive in the final minute or overtime, more than any other player in the nation over the last three seasons.

Altmyer Does It All

Altmyer was everywhere. He piled up 359 total yards and four touchdowns in one of the most complete performances by a Big Ten quarterback in years. He became the first player since 2011 to score through the air, on the ground, and as a receiver in the same league game.

• 328 passing yards, 2 TDs

• 28 rushing yards, 1 TD

• 1 receiving touchdown — a trick-play gem from Hank Beatty

“I just trusted my guys,” Altmyer said. “We’ve been in this spot before. We never flinch.”

Big Plays Spark the Illini

Illinois controlled most of the afternoon behind its offensive line. Kaden Feagin broke loose for 127 total yards, including a 64-yard catch-and-run for a score — the Illini’s longest passing play of the season. Beatty added circus catches and even tossed his first career TD on the double-reverse that ended with Altmyer in the end zone.

On defense, Dylan Rosiek came up big with his first interception and six tackles, while Leon Lowery Jr. forced an early fumble to set the tone.

By the end of the third quarter, Illinois held a 31-17 cushion.

USC Won’t Go Away

The Trojans stormed back. Running back Waymond Jordan scored twice, and a late Makai Lemon two-point conversion gave USC its first lead, 32-31, with 1:55 to play.

That only set the stage for Altmyer’s final act. Calm in the chaos, he marched the Illini 51 yards, setting up Olano’s chance at glory. The freshman kicker delivered, splitting the uprights as time expired to send the Illinois sideline into a frenzy.

The Takeaway

Illinois (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) showed resilience and playmaking in equal measure, taking down a ranked opponent and proving they can win in the clutch. Altmyer’s leadership, Feagin’s breakout, and Olano’s ice-cold kick defined the moment.

Head coach Bret Bielema summed it up: “This team believes. No matter what happens, they find a way.”

Final: Illinois 34, USC 32.

Next up: Illinois travels to Purdue next Saturday at 11 a.m. on Big Ten Network.