Illinois Fighting Illini Defeats Rutgers 38-31

In a thrilling finish, the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini clinched a 38-31 victory over Rutgers with a last-minute 40-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luke Altmyer to wide receiver Pat Bryant. Trailing 31-30, Illinois executed a crucial 75-yard drive in the final minute, converting on fourth-and-13 to set up the game-winning score. Bryant had a standout performance with seven receptions for 197 yards, including 166 yards in the second half. Altmyer completed 12 of 26 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns, while Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns, contributing to a back-and-forth contest with multiple lead changes. The victory improved Illinois' record to 8-3, while Rutgers fell to 6-5.