After two seasons with Michigan State, Aidan Chiles is on the move again.
Chiles was Michigan State’s QB1 in 2024 and most of 2025, but he lost his job to Alessio Milivojevic after a few disappointing performances. He was still completing over 63 percent of his passes for 1,392 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025 with just three picks. He also rushed for 227 yards and six scores.
The numbers weren’t all that bad and Chiles seemingly improved, but the offensive line did him no favors, and Milivojevic gave the offense a spark.
Chiles, an Oregon State transfer previously, decided to jump back into the portal after Jonathan Smith was fired, and he’s now garnering interest from Power Four programs.
One of those Power Four programs happens to be on Michigan State’s 2026 schedule.
According to Pete Nakos of On3, Chiles is visiting Northwestern on Tuesday.
Michigan State transfer QB Aidan Chiles is visiting Northwestern today, sources tell @On3sports.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) January 6, 2026
The former Oregon State transfer has thrown for 4,116 career yards and 27 TDs. Has also rushed for 12 TDs. Would be a key addition for new OC Chip Kelly. https://t.co/iVsfUcvzms https://t.co/l2EXV48TvZ pic.twitter.com/JBWh0pZIa5
Honestly, the fit is a little weird, but it’s a program that doesn’t have insane expectations so Chiles wouldn’t be crushed if he struggled here and there.
Plus, Chip Kelly might be the right coach to turn his career around.
Aidan Chiles: the story of what could’ve been
I hate to be a “what if?” guy, but I can’t help but think about that question when looking back on Chiles’ Michigan State career.
Chiles came to Michigan State as the No. 1 transfer quarterback in the 2024 class, and he immediately became a legit NFL prospect under Smith in East Lansing. Unfortunately, he struggled with accuracy and turnover problems in 2024 as a full-time starter, but fixed some of those mistakes in 2025.
However, he just never had good enough offensive line play in front of him to really help him out. When he had time to throw, he made some incredible passes — the Boston College game in 2025 was a prime example.
When he was pressured, though, he tended to make mistakes.
Now he’s going to look for a new home that hopefully has a better offensive line than what he’s used to. He’s an easy dude to root for, except on the day he returns to East Lansing with Northwestern next season, if he goes that route.
There’s a chance that Michigan State will face Katin Houser and Chiles next season in East Lansing. Fortunately, the Spartans won’t have to see Nick Marsh as Indiana isn’t on the 2026 schedule, but they will if he sticks around in 2027.
Welcome to the transfer portal era.