Grading the 2024 Michigan State football transfer class as the season wraps up

We dive into the best and worst of Jonathan Smith's first transfer class.

Michigan State's Jordan Turner, left, talks with Aidan Chiles as they head to the locker room after defeating Purdue on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan State's Jordan Turner, left, talks with Aidan Chiles as they head to the locker room after defeating Purdue on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Anthony Jones, LB: B-

Anthony Jones came in as a transfer from Indiana. While he wasn't super productive as a Hoosier, he did some good things for MSU in 2024. he had one of the higher tackling grades on the team according to PFF and logged 12 pressures, two sacks, and 14 run stops.

Jack Velling, TE: C+

Another product of Jonathan Smith's arrival, Jack Velling came in as the expected starter after leading all college football tight ends in touchdowns last season. This year has been different, and not in a good way. He started off the year solid, but after the Oregon game, he's been consistently and non-factor. Unfortunately, it looks like his season may have come to an early end after taking a huge hit in the Purdue game and had to leave in the back of an ambulance. For 2024, he logged 31 catches out of 54 targets for 334 yards.

Aidan Chiles, QB: C

The "crown jewel" of the transfer class, some deemed him as the program's savior, its fair to say the Aidan Chiles experience has been quite the rollercoaster. We have seen some high highs and a lot of low lows with Chiles, but he has looked sharper in recent weeks. Since the Iowa game, he has shown more discipline in his decision-making with a 7:4 touchdown-to-turnover ratio. Not incredible, but much better than the first half of the season. The growth is happening, but it's been bumpy overall.

Quindarius Dunnigan, DL: B-

Quindarius Dunnigan was yet another defensive lineman transfer the program took in, and he's done what everyone expected him to, and that contributes as a run defender. He has a solid 76.3 run defense grade and has made 11 run stops and forced a fumble.

Luke Newman, G: A-

Ending on a strong note is offensive lineman transfer Luke Newman. He was arguably the best lineman transfer of the offseason, with almost 700 snaps logged and the best run block grade on the team (66.7). He has allowed six pressures, no sacks, and committed just two penalties in the process.