The Big Question: Can Illinois' Defense Recapture Its Takeaway Magic?

One of the defining traits of Illinois’ defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Aaron Henry is the priority put on generating takeaways. In 2024, the Illini finished fifth in the Big Ten in turnovers forced (1.5 per game), a quality number at first glance – but one that didn’t tell the full story.

Much of that production came early, before injuries and attrition wore down the roster. By the second half of Illinois' season, turnovers were scarce, masked only by a late-season haul against Northwestern.

Why the drop-off? Blame the loss of linebacker Dylan Rosiek, who suffered a season-ending injury against Minnesota, and a number of other dents and dings (especially in the secondary) down the stretch. Over the final weeks of the regular season, the Illini struggled to put heat on opposing quarterbacks and keep receivers under wraps, especially over the middle. The defense – at its best as a physical, aggressive throw-the-first-punch group – finished the season in read-and-react mode, rather than disrupting and creating havoc.

When the Illini defense was clicking, though, it showed flashes of dominance. Against Kansas, Illinois forced four turnovers, including a pick-six by safety Xavier Scott that electrified Memorial Stadium. Those takeaways flipped the momentum, rattled quarterback Jalon Daniels and completely stalled an explosive Jayhawks offense. It was the perfect example of how Henry’s scheme can overwhelm opponents when turnovers are part of the equation.

This is my favorite Xavier Scott.

The drive before this ended with him getting beat off the snap and a 3-yd TD pass getting thrown overtop of him.

The anticipation and explosion on the pick six is impressive. The short memory you don’t see, but that’s what sold me on Scott. pic.twitter.com/xAXY09BGSY
— Newt Westen (@NFLDraft_Westen) August 16, 2025

The contrast came (sharply) against Purdue when Illinois failed to force a single turnover and gave up 49 points to a team that won one game last season. The Illini made Boilermakers first-time starting quarterback Ryan Browne look like a seasoned pro as he carved up coverages, scrambled at will and dictated the game’s tempo. The absence of takeaways led to extended drives and exhausted defenders – but also exposed just how dependent Illinois can be on its edge rush (and specifically outside linebacker Gabe Jacas).

Reminder what Ryan Browne did against a team that’s being projected to make the CFP this season…

He like using Klare a lot(big season incoming for Burhenn??), and also showed some good chemistry with Mockobee… pic.twitter.com/dq4uTGZ0pW
— Russ Johnson (@BXP_Russ) August 21, 2025

Henry’s system is designed to keep everything in front of the defense and limit big plays, but it also relies on opportunism. “The best thing to do when you’re trying to get guys to want to go after the football is get guys that want the ball,” defensive backs coach Corey Parker said in fall practice. “Recruiting is a piece to it. Ultimately, having a defensive scheme like what Coach Aaron Henry runs to give the guys the opportunity to get their eyes on the ball is important.”

But the defense also needs balance. “Sometimes you can take a risk and the reward is high, but you can take all risk and also that reward was very, very low," Parker said. "You can hurt the other 10 guys on the field. So you got to be careful about the way that you teach it and make sure they got a full understanding of what they’re doing, why they’re doing it.”

A healthy Rosiek and the arrival of a trio of Wisconsin transfers – outside linebacker Leon Lowery Jr., defensive end James Thompson Jr. and nose tackle Curt Neal – should help shore up the Illini pass rush, create more consistent pressure and help Henry avoid blitzing much. That's already a rare occurrence, but keeping defenders in coverage instead of committing them to the pass rush only works if the quarterback is ultimately hurried.

With the newcomers primed and much of Illinois' defensive core returning from last season, Henry’s defense could again have the mix to consistent turnover production. (The Illini led the Big Ten – by a mile – with 2.5 turnovers per game in 2022, Henry's first year as coordinator.) Illinois' D can bend, but it has to break the opposition a bit more often to help the program reach the heights it's aiming for in 2025.

The Big Question: Can Illinois' Defense Recapture Its Takeaway Magic?

More from Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Center Josh Kreutz

Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Defensive Lineman James Thompson Jr.

Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Outside Linebacker Leon Lowery Jr.

Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Outside Linebacker Gabe Jacas

Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Outside Linebacker Joe Barna