Jonathan Smith discusses skillset, growth of Aidan Chiles

If it wasn’t already evident, new Michigan State leader Jonathan Smith is a big time believer in quarterback Aidan Chiles.

Chiles originally joined Smith’s vision for Oregon State, but when the coach decided to move on from the Beavers in favor of the Spartans, he decided to follow him. He was far from the only player to do so, as tight end Jack Velling will also be joining the duo in East Lansing.

During his chance to speak with reporters at Big Ten Media Days, Smith had nothing but praise for his two former Beavers, and he made sure to point out his belief in Chiles leading the Spartans’ offense in 2024.

“We feel both guys on and off the field are a great additions,” Smith said, regarding Chiles and Velling. “They had a good amount of options to consider, so we feel great they chose to come to our place. Both of them, there’s some advantages, familiarity within the scheme they’re going to be running, the terminology and how we call plays and how we do it.

“Aidan, I think athletically, he’s gifted at throwing the ball, he can move his feet, but he has a deep passion for this game. He likes studying it, and I think he’s got some instincts to play in the game. Yes, he’s still a youngster. He had some action last year, but we’re looking forward to seeing how him playing full-time, how he continues to grow and gives us a chance to score some points.”

While Michigan State may not have major expectations this season, Aidan Chiles’ play could elevate them to unexpected levels, if he’s as good of a quarterback as Jonathon Smith and others believe he will be in East Lansing this coming season.

Aidan Chiles balancing expectations as Michigan State starter

After following Jonathan Smith from Oregon State to East Lansing, Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles is ready for the challenge of leading a program as it’s quarterback.

Many thought it’d be a natural transition for Chiles with the Beavers, but that plan changed once Smith took his talents to the Big Ten. Now, Chiles is learning what it means to wear the green and white, and getting used to his new responsibilities as a starting quarterback at the college level.

“It’s different,” Chiles said, regarding being a starting quarterback versus backing up someone else. “Really, you don’t even see it inside of football. Inside of football, it was the same way last year, people still as you questions. People still talk to you. Even in the backup role. But just being in that starting role, it’s been a learning experience, it’s been fun. I’m grateful to be in this position. 

“But the biggest thing is like, everybody is watching you. Like, I saw it today. I see my face every five minutes. I can’t do anything, mess myself up. I really just have to be on my Ps and Qs, be able to maintain my composure throughout the game, throughout practice, throughout everything, because everybody is watching you.”

Evidently, the extra attention is certainly a change for Chiles, but the quarterback believes he’s built for it. He was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal, and he stuck with his head coach, and that decision could pay off in spades.