Times have been tough in East Lansing over the last several years. Since making the College Football Playoff in 2019, the Michigan State Spartans have been near the bottom of the Big Ten. Two head coaches and a recruiting scandal later, the team feels poised to make some noise in the conference. First-year head coach Jonathan Smith came over from Oregon State after the Beavers had an impressive 8-5 season, including an upset victory over Utah.
Now at Michigan State, Smith has brought some explosive players over with him and will attempt to rebuild a long-lost culture and revitalize a program that used to be among the college football elites.
A significant piece in bringing the Spartans back to the top of the Big Ten will sit on the shoulders of their new quarterback, Aidan Chiles. Chiles, an Oregon State transfer, was a spot starter under Smith last season but now will have the full-time starting gig in East Lansing. As a former five-star recruit coming out of high school, Chiles has an incredibly high ceiling and a pedigree that Michigan State hasn’t seen since the likes of Connor Cook.
“I think he’s athletically gifted, throwing the ball and moving his feet, but he has a deep passion for this game,” Smith said when asked about Chiles’ development and expectations on the season. He immediately comes into the Big Ten as one of the most electric playmakers in the conference and arguably in the country. His arm talent and ability to scale the pocket will give the Spartans a dynamic element to their offense they have lacked for several seasons.
"I think athletically he's gifted...but he has a deep passion for this game." @MSU_Football HC Jonathan Smith talks Aidan Chiles bringing his talent to East Lansing. #B1GFootball x #B1GMediaDays pic.twitter.com/YKXqB38WBe
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 24, 2024
Chiles’ athletic ability allows him to extend plays even when faced with pressure. Because of his ability to create time and space in the pocket, he makes defenses stretch out to account for his running ability, which opens up holes in their coverage that allow him to showcase his arm strength downfield.
While Michigan State might not make the immediate jump this season, the Spartans could be highly competitive if Chiles unleashes his raw ability and electrifying playmaking ability. This prospect should have every fan on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the upcoming season, creating a spark the Spartans haven’t seen in several seasons.
