NEW ORLEANS – The Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, announced 14 additions to its 2024 Watch List on Thursday, including Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer.

Altmyer has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation, helping the Illini to a 6-1 record and #20 national ranking with 15 touchdown passes and only one interception. His 15/1 touchdown/interception ratio is the best in the nation among Power 4 quarterbacks, while ranking 15th in the nation in touchdown passes (15) and 17th in efficiency (161.5).

The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates' bowl performances in its balloting.

Finalists for the honor will be determined by a select panel of national media covering college football, as well as each of the Mannings. That list will be released on Thursday, Dec. 5, and the winner is scheduled to be announced following the College Football Playoff National Championship.

After announcing 29 quarterbacks to its preseason watch list, the Manning Award opted to increase its spotlighted players based on the many outstanding performances during the first half of the year. While these players have been added to the watch list, every quarterback in the nation remains eligible to win the honor.

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Sutter was one of the top targets in town last weekend and has certainly taken notice of the strong play from the Illini.

"It was awesome to see my home state showing out!"

When asked about the increased focus by the staff on keeping top in-state talent home, he noted that it's something that has caught his eye.

"I like the idea of it," Sutter said. "Having local kids do big things would be awesome."

Up next Sutter will visit Penn State for its white out game and then he'll check out the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn.

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