In the last 20 years, there hasn’t been a more hyped up quarterback to suit up for Michigan State football than Aidan Chiles. Jonathan Smith’s football acumen and long-lasting relationship helped convince the former top-60 prospect to follow Smith from Corvallis to East Lansing.
Chiles has all the tools one could want in a modern-day quarterback. He has prototypical size, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds. His arm strength pops on film as he can make extremely difficult throws down the field look easy. Chiles is not an elite athlete, but he possesses more than enough athleticism to scramble and extend the play out of the pocket.
Despite all the tools, It hasn’t been all sunshine and roses for Chiles. In his sophomore season at Michigan State, which was basically his freshman year, Chiles totaled 2,415 passing yards while completing 59.4% of his throws. He threw 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Chile' inconsistencies were clearly on display, but it wasn’t all on him. The offensive line play was poor, and the Spartans never truly established a run game. The wide receiver play from Michigan State was also mediocre. You add all that up together, and you get a young quarterback who struggles.
The most encouraging part about the true sophomore campaign was the Improvement games 7-12 compared to 1-6.
In the first six games, Chiles threw for 1,212 yards, completing 57 percent of his passes. He had only five touchdowns and eight interceptions.
In the final six games, Chiles had 1,203 yards with a 62 percent completion rate and eight touchdowns to just three interceptions.
Significantly better decision-making and accuracy were displayed in the final six games of the year. Chiles had a much better grasp of the offense.
In 2025, the offense will have significant improvements. Smith has already said that the offensive line should be the most improved unit, and I don’t think that’s coach speak. They added two elite offensive linemen from the portal in Conner Moore and Matt Gulbin. Plus, a Power Four-level guy they had familiarity with in Luka Vincic.
The wide receiver room is probably the best unit on the team, with freshman standout Nick Marsh getting another year under his belt, and adding Omari Kelly and Chrishon McCray.
Jack Velling should also take a step in his senior campaign.
This will be Chiles' third season learning the Smith offense, and his comfort level should be at a place where he doesn’t have to think much and can react. With all the improvements around him, I don’t think it’s unrealistic to see Chiles throw for 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. He has a great group of weapons and should have a serviceable offensive line.
Like I mentioned above, Chiles has all the tools and the football IQ, he just needs to put it together. There is a reason why NFL scouts still see him as a potential first-round pick.
The Spartans are heading in the right direction under Smith and Chiles. The two are on the same wavelength and have similar winning characteristics.
Spartans fans should be excited to watch Chiles this fall. It may not be perfect, but it’s almost certain he will improve and have this team in a much better spot in December 2025, compared to December 2024.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.