What would you consider a decent amount of games to really get a feel for how good your quarterback is going to be in any given season? I would say about 2-3 games, so I think the bye week is a good time to look at how much Aidan Chiles has improved from last season.
Chiles has been one of the most improved players in the Big Ten this season, going from "turnover machine" in 2024 to "All-Big Ten candidate" in 2025.
The same people who were doubting Chiles in the offseason after a shaky first campaign as Michigan State's QB1 have been singing his praises through four games. After four games last year, everyone was ready to call him a disappointment because of his apparent turnover issues.
The vast improvement this season got me thinking: what did Chiles' numbers look like a year ago after his first four games?
Looking at the numbers, the improvement is obvious.
2024: 63-for-116 (54.3%), 891 yards passing, 4 TDs, 7 INTs; 95 rushing yards, 3 TDs
2025: 70-for-102 (68.6%), 868 yards passing, 9 TDs, 1 INT; 154 yards, 2 TDs
The drastic improvement has to start with the decision-making. Cutting those interceptions down from seven through the first four games in 2024 to just one (that really wasn't his fault) in 2025 is the biggest and most obvious improvement. Next, the accuracy has improved drastically, too. Improving by 14 percent from a year ago is actually insane.
On top of the success through the air, Chiles rebounded from a quiet season opener against Western Michigan, rushing for 154 yards and two scores on the season. He had just 10 carries for eight yards against the Broncos.
If this pace continues, Chiles will finish with 2,604 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, three interceptions, 462 rushing yards, and six scores on the ground. That would be an incredible one-year improvement.