Illinois football enters 2025 with six captains, blending veteran experience and new leadership.
CHAMPAIGN - The Fighting Illini football team will enter the 2025 season with six captains, a group selected by team vote that blends established leaders and first-time honorees. Quarterback Luke Altmyer, tight end Tanner Arkin, linebacker Gabe Jacas, center Josh Kreutz, linebacker Dylan Rosiek, and defensive back Miles Scott will wear the captain’s patch this fall. For Altmyer, the role marks his first as a team captain. The junior signal caller became one of the nation’s most efficient passers last season, throwing for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns. His steady play helped guide Illinois to its first 10-win campaign since 2001, a season that ended with a New Year’s Day bowl appearance. Arkin returns as a captain for the second straight year. The senior tight end, a Mackey Award watch list selection, has grown into a reliable option in the Illini passing game, scoring five touchdowns over his first two seasons in Champaign. Jacas, a senior outside linebacker, will serve as a captain for the first time. Considered one of the top defensive players in the country, he enters the season as a preseason All-American and a key piece in Illinois’ defensive front. Kreutz will once again anchor the offensive line in both role and leadership. The veteran center is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and returns for his third season as a starter, bringing stability to an offense that will look to build on last year’s success. Rosiek provides leadership at the heart of the defense. The middle linebacker, also a two-time All-Big Ten honoree, was named captain for the second straight season and enters his third year as a defensive starter. Scott rounds out the group, earning captain status for the second time. A steady presence in the secondary, the senior free safety has started 24 games over the past two seasons, compiling 118 tackles, two interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns. The six captains reflect both experience and continuity, with four returning leaders and two new additions. Their leadership will be tested as Illinois looks to follow up a milestone season and continue its climb in the Big Ten.
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