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 . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Illini Football Season on the Brink #620

Listen

Illinois Football Chaos & Illini Hoops Hype - 10.2.26 IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

Listen

Illinois Football Preview vs Purdue #619

Listen

Bielema Parts Ways with Defensive Coordinator Hauck #618

Listen

Illini Football Ohio State Postgame Show - I on the Illini #617

Listen

Illinois vs Ohio State Preview + Huge Basketball Recruiting Update 9.25.26

Listen

Illini Football Preview vs Ohio State #616

Listen

Illinois Beats SIU | Postgame Breakdown #615

Listen

Illini FB Challenges + Illini Men's Hoops: B1G Schedule, Recruiting Bonanza & Faster Tempo 9.18.26

Listen

Illini Football Preview vs SIU #614

Listen

Illini 3-3-5 Defense Fails 1st Test vs Duke #613

Listen

Illini Football vs Duke Preview & Big Ten Controversy | IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular 9.11.26

Listen

Illini Football Update, Illini NIL Status & Michigan Mess #612

Listen

Illini Football Preview vs Duke #611

Listen

Illini Beat UAB + Katin Houser Breakout, Duke Preview & Sports Law Talk 9.4.26

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.