Aidan Chiles and Michigan State football are gearing up for what might be the most important season of Jonathan Smith's career.
The second-year head coach has proven he can turn a program around (Oregon State), but he has to do the same with one that expects to win more than 6-7 games. Expectations at Michigan State far exceed those are Oregon State, and Smith feels the pressure. He knows that he has to likely impress new athletic director J Batt if he wants to stick around.
That starts with a winning season in 2025.
Fortunately, it feels like the offense is going to take a massive step forward. Smith told reporters at Big Ten Media Days last week that he felt that the offensive line would be the position group that takes the biggest step on the team and he also added plenty of weapons for Chiles to use.
Keeping Chiles upright is important, but it means nothing if he has no one to throw to. Smith made sure to address that in the transfer portal, landing some key receivers to help out.
And Chiles is excited.
Aidan Chiles: “It’s gonna be fun, for sure.” on the new receivers.
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) July 29, 2025
Chiles went on to say that Rod Bullard, Chrishon McCray, and Omari Kelly are all fast which is only going to take some pressure off Nick Marsh who had to carry the receiver room on his back last year.
Add in Evan Boyd and some talented freshmen like Braylon Collier, Charles Taplin, and Bryson Williams, and Michigan State has one of the most intriguing receiving corps in the Big Ten. This unit might end up being one of the top-three receiving corps in the conference by the end of the season, especially if it can finally get something out of Alante Brown.
Chiles has no shortage of weapons to utilize and that has to ease his mind heading into the season, and that's not even including the three tight ends who should see plenty of action, led by potential All-Big Ten first-teamer Jack Velling.
There are no excuses. This offense should be one of the most improved in the Big Ten.