Illinois football is set for a major defensive change.

Multiple national outlets are reporting that Aaron Henry is leaving Illinois to join Notre Dame as defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator, ending a five-year run on Bret Bielema’s staff.

In this episode, I break down:
• Aaron Henry’s full timeline at Illinois — from DB coach to DC
• The highs (elite secondary play, NFL development) and the struggles
• Why third-down defense became the breaking point
• Why this move is not instability, but an inflection point
• What Notre Dame is actually hiring Henry to do
• Why this is a step down in responsibility, not reputation
• What Bielema’s decision says about the next phase of the program
• Why Illinois’ defense needed a new voice — even if Henry wasn’t “bad”
• The real pressure point: keeping pace in a changing Big Ten

This isn’t a hit piece.
It’s context — and it’s the start of a critical offseason.

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Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football!

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Article Referenced:

For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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Illinois travels to Lincoln for a rematch with Nebraska — and this one feels bigger than a normal February conference game.

This isn’t about revenge for the December loss in Champaign. It’s about confirmation. Since that night, Illinois has won 10 straight games, gone into Mackey Arena and beaten Purdue, and proven it can close in hostile environments. Now comes the question: how real is this evolution?

In today’s episode, I break down:
• Why Nebraska is still elite — especially at home
• What went wrong in the first matchup and why it matters now
• How Keaton Wagler changes everything in this rematch
• Why Illinois no longer needs everything to go perfectly to win
• The key matchup issues Nebraska presents (shooting, spacing, discipline)
• How Illinois can attack Nebraska without relying on a shooting contest
• Why this game feels like a Sweet 16 / Elite Eight preview
• What Sunday will tell us about Illinois’ readiness for March

Nebraska believes this is a must-win at home.
Illinois believes it knows exactly who it is.

Sunday is about finding out which belief holds.

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Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football!

Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267

TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/gATSFzWB

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonillini.supercast.com/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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