Cincinnati might be in the quarterback market, and there’s a name surfacing that’s worth paying attention to: Aidan Chiles. The Michigan State signal-caller has officially entered the transfer portal, and according to multiple reports, the Bearcats are at least in the conversation as a potential landing spot.
And let’s be clear - this isn’t just a depth-chart filler or a developmental project. Chiles is one of the more intriguing quarterbacks in the portal this cycle.
He’s a 6-foot-3 passer out of Long Beach, California, who began his college career at Oregon State in 2023. After just one season, he transferred to Michigan State, where he spent the last two years, gaining valuable experience in the Big Ten.
Last fall, Chiles put up 1,392 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but context matters.
He was operating behind a porous offensive line on a team that struggled to find rhythm all year. Even so, he showed flashes - the kind that make you think there’s more in the tank if he lands in the right situation.
That’s what makes the Cincinnati connection so compelling. The Bearcats are in need of a quarterback who’s not only played meaningful snaps but also has the upside to elevate the offense.
Chiles checks both boxes. He’s not a project - he’s battle-tested, having faced Big Ten defenses and survived some tough spots.
And with the right system around him, there’s reason to believe he could take another step forward.
The timing lines up, too. Cincinnati had a high-powered offense last season, but with Brendan Sorsby on his way out, the quarterback room suddenly looks a little thin.
Adding someone like Chiles wouldn’t just patch a hole - it could open up new possibilities. He’s got mobility, he’s got arm talent, and he’s shown he can take care of the football.
That’s a combination any coaching staff would welcome, especially in a conference where quarterback play can make or break a season.
Of course, nothing is finalized. The transfer portal moves quickly, and Chiles could end up somewhere completely different. But the fact that Cincinnati is in the mix tells you they’re being aggressive and intentional about upgrading at the most important position on the field.
If they land him, it won’t just be a solid addition - it could reshape the outlook heading into spring ball. With Chiles under center, the Bearcats would have a quarterback with size, experience, and a skill set that could thrive in the right scheme. It’s not a done deal, but it’s a storyline worth watching closely.