Isaiah Williams witnessed Luke Altmyer suit up as Illinois’ quarterback for the first time on Saturday. Altmyer helped lead a second-half comeback against Toledo in Week 1.

Illinois was down 19-7 early in the third quarter. Miles Scott scored a pick-6 and Altmyer threw back-to-back touchdown passes to Pat Bryant. The Fighting Illini ended up winning 30-28 after Altmyer converted a crucial 4th down and led the team into range for a last-second field goal.

Williams was a fan of Altmyer’s during the offseason, but now has even more faith in the Illinois QB after the comeback win.

“It reinforced everything, and it just makes it easier for us to get behind him now because he did it in a game,” said Williams. “In practice you want people to have confidence and make plays, but once you do the same thing in a game that you were in camp, it’s huge for the team. It just builds momentum, and he has everybody behind him right now.”

Altmyer went 18-for-26 with 211 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns against the Rockets. Altmyer also showed off his scrambling ability with 69 yards rushing. The Ole Miss transfer made his mark on Illinois in the season opener.

Another nonconference matchup awaits Illinois in Week 2. Illinois plays Kansas in Lawrence next. Kickoff will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.