Following the 2024 season, Michigan State football fans were unsure of how to feel about the future of the program, especially with Aidan Chiles struggling so much in his first season.
Chiles threw for 2,415 yards and 13 touchdowns, but his 11 interceptions and numerous fumbles led to plenty of frustration that overshadowed the good that he did. He also rushed for 225 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing that dual-threat ability we heard all about when he came to East Lansing.
A lot of his struggles could be attributed to being a first-year starter for a rebuilding program as well as having a shaky offensive line and not enough weapons at receiver.
That's going to change in 2025 -- at least the weapons part.
Chiles is one year older and more mature and now that he knows the system and the program a little more, he's going to take a step in the right direction. The only thing truly holding him back from a
"leap" forward would be that offensive line. A lack of weapons cannot be blamed now.
Why will he no longer have to worry about weapons?
Just take a look at the guys he has to throw to now and what they did in 2024 (including tight ends):
Nick Marsh (41 catches for a freshman record 649 yards and 3 TDs)
Jack Velling (36 catches for 411 yards, 1 TD)
Omari Kelly (53 catches for 869 yards, 4 TDs with Middle Tennessee)
Chrishon McCray (40 catches for 705 yards, 9 TDs with Kent State)
Rodney Bullard Jr. (42 catches for 1,001 yards, 12 TDs at Valdosta State)
Evan Boyd (21 catches for 302 yards, 2 TDs as a freshman with CMU)
Those six guys are all proven targets who are going to take a major load off Chiles' shoulders this season and that's not even mentioning the lesser-proven guys like Michael Masunas, Brennan Parachek, Alante Brown, Braylon Collier, Charles Taplin, Wyatt Hook, and Jayden Savoury.
Weapons will be at Chiles' disposal throughout the season and he finally has something he's been yearning for as a starter: depth at receiver.
Marsh is still his guy, but when he's being focused, he can turn to any of the other five threats.