If you ask certain fans, they'd tell you that they wish Urban Meyer was Michigan State's head coach, and that the Spartans were this close to hiring him following the 2023 season, but Alan Haller and the athletic department went the safe route with Jonathan Smith.
Smith seems to be working out so far during the 2025 season, and he brought over a super-athlete at quarterback in Aidan Chiles, and that wouldn't have happened under Meyer.
Yes, I'm fully aware Meyer would have found a five-star quarterback of his own somewhere.
Anyways, Chiles has led Michigan State to a 2-0 start and it looks like he's turned a corner as the Spartans' starting quarterback. Turnover issues took center stage a year ago, but that hasn't been the case so far this season as he has just under 400 passing yards and five touchdowns with zero picks through two starts.
And, wouldn't you know it, Urban Meyer is breaking down Chiles' game film from the Boston College win this week on Big Ten Network. A behind-the-scenes look at the film study shows Meyer raving about Chiles' improved situational awareness and athleticism.
“This is simply just great athleticism.”@CoachUrbanMeyer will be breaking down Aidan Chiles film this week 🎥 pic.twitter.com/XpFTQlIpBs
— Michigan State on BTN (@MichiganStOnBTN) September 8, 2025
It's weird listening to the guy that a lot of fans wanted to be the next head coach raving about the current head coach's hand-picked quarterback. Smith inherited a roster with a few quarterbacks, but all three transferred out, leaving Chiles alone in the room until Alessio Milivojevic and Ryland Jessee were signed in that first recruiting class.
So far in 2025, Chiles is looking like the guy we had all expected when he committed to Michigan State before the 2024 season. He is going through his progressions, making smart decisions, and throwing strikes to his receivers.
Having an improved receiver room helps, too.
Meyer likes what he's been seeing from Chiles so far. Hopefully it continues.