illinois fighting ilini Quarterback Luke Altmaier had an incredible night against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Music City Bowl, but it was his performance in the third quarter that caught the attention of college football fans.

The Fighting Illini led by three points in the third quarter and got the ball first at the Volunteers’ 41-yard line. Altmaier received the ball and passed the ball back. He faked a pass to the right and took the ball to the center of the court.

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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmaier (9) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee at the Music City Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Altmaier escaped the Tennessee defender and ran directly into an official. The quarterback bounced off the referee and scored the first score before going out of bounds. After a while, the official came to his senses. He then scored a touchdown on the breakaway.

Tennessee did stage a brutal comeback. The game opened with a 12-yard rushing touchdown by DeSean Bishop and a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown by Joakim Dodson to give the team the lead.

Altmaier came back and hit a 13-player, 65-yard field goal to set up David Olano’s field goal in the 30-28 victory.

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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmaier (9) prepares to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee at the Music City Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Altmaier went 20-of-33 passing for 196 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown.

Illinois posted its first consecutive nine-win season in program history.

“We don’t have to read any more about other years,” head coach Brett Bielema said after the game. “I think people generally either read history or write history, and this group is writing history, and I think we’re going to continue to do that.”

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema yells at an official during the second half of a college football game against Tennessee at the NCAA Music City Bowl, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Under Bielema, the team is currently 2-1 in bowl games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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