Michigan State's Quarterback Carousel: Talent In, Talent Out, and a Whole Lot of "What Ifs"
If there’s one thing Michigan State hasn’t lacked in recent years, it’s quarterback talent. But figuring out what to do with that talent? That’s been a whole different story.
From Mel Tucker to Jonathan Smith, the Spartans have cycled through promising arms like a quarterback camp on fast-forward. And now, as the transfer portal heats up, three former Spartan QBs-Sam Leavitt, Katin Houser, and Aidan Chiles-are among the most sought-after names in the country.
All three are currently ranked in the top 10 transfer quarterbacks by On3. That’s not just notable-it’s a statement.
Let’s unpack how Michigan State got here.
The Tucker Years: Talent Found, Roles Fumbled
Mel Tucker had an eye for quarterback talent. That much isn’t up for debate. But when it came to choosing the right guy at the right time, the results were mixed at best.
In his first year, Tucker rolled with Rocky Lombardi. It wasn’t a popular decision among fans, but it paid off in the one game that always matters in East Lansing-beating Michigan. That win alone bought some goodwill.
Year two brought Payton Thorne, and for a moment, it looked like Tucker had struck gold. Thorne helped lead the Spartans to an 11-win season and a Peach Bowl victory.
But the magic didn’t last. In year three, Tucker stuck with Thorne, and the offense sputtered.
Eventually, Thorne transferred to Auburn.
In what would become Tucker’s final season, he handed the keys to Noah Kim. That decision didn’t pan out either. With promising young options like Sam Leavitt and Katin Houser waiting in the wings, the Spartans stuck with Kim a little too long-and the offense paid the price.
Enter Jonathan Smith… and Exit the QBs
When Jonathan Smith arrived from Oregon State, there was hope that the quarterback room might finally find some stability. Instead, it emptied out.
Houser and Leavitt both hit the portal shortly after Smith was hired. But Smith did bring in a big name: Aidan Chiles, the No. 1 quarterback in the transfer portal at the time, who followed him from Corvallis to East Lansing. Chiles was immediately named QB1, and the future looked promising.
But that promise never materialized. Chiles didn’t get the coaching or development he needed, and with Smith now out after a short stint, Chiles is back in the portal-alongside Houser and Leavitt.
Three Spartans, Three Top-10 Portal QBs
Now, all three former Spartans are among the most coveted quarterbacks available. According to On3, Chiles ranks No.
1, Houser checks in at No. 8, and Leavitt rounds out the group at No. 10.
That’s an eye-opener.
It’s rare to see one school produce three top-10 transfer quarterbacks in a single cycle. And while rankings are always up for debate (some might argue Houser should be higher than Chiles), the takeaway is clear: Michigan State has had no trouble attracting quarterback talent.
Developing and retaining it? That’s been the real challenge.
The Big "What If?"
There’s no way around it-Spartan fans are going to be asking themselves some tough questions this offseason. What if Leavitt or Houser had stayed?
Would Chiles have ever come to East Lansing? Could Smith have found more success with a different approach to the quarterback room?
We’ll never know for sure. But what we do know is that Michigan State’s quarterback saga has become one of the more fascinating storylines in the college football transfer era. The program has been a revolving door of high-potential QBs, and now, three of them are poised to make waves elsewhere.
What’s Next?
All eyes will be on where Leavitt, Houser, and Chiles land next. Each has the tools to succeed in the right system, and with the quarterback market as competitive as ever, they won’t be waiting long for offers.
As for Michigan State, the program finds itself at yet another crossroads. The talent has been there.
The results haven’t. And until the Spartans figure out how to turn quarterback potential into quarterback production, the carousel may keep spinning.
But one thing’s for sure-other programs are about to benefit from the quarterback talent that once called East Lansing home.