Illini DC Aaron Henry: ‘When we take the ball away, we win games’

Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry believes his unit needs to become more focused on creating takeaways that have led to their five wins in 2025.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

October 23, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Just because it’s been almost 15 years since he graduated with as a consumer trends major while playing at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Aaron Henry hasn’t forgotten what a mathematical trend looks like.

So, when the third-year Illinois defensive coordinator is shown a spreadsheet or statistical analysis split, it won’t take him . . .

 

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