Aidan Chiles to Enter Transfer Portal: Three Logical Landing Spots for the Former Michigan State QB
It’s been looming for a while, and now it’s official: Aidan Chiles is heading for the transfer portal.
The former Michigan State quarterback announced his intention to enter the portal once it opens on January 2. After two seasons in East Lansing, Chiles is looking for a fresh start - and he’ll have options. Despite a rocky tenure with the Spartans that saw him lose the starting job in 2025 to redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic, Chiles remains a high-upside talent with tools that still intrigue coaches across the country.
This next move will be pivotal. Chiles isn’t just looking for playing time - he’s looking for the right system and coaching staff to help unlock the potential that made him a coveted recruit in the first place. Here are three programs that make a lot of sense as his next destination:
1. Arizona State: A Familiar Face and a Clear Path
If you’re connecting the dots, Arizona State might be the most natural fit.
Kenny Dillingham, now the head coach in Tempe, was one of the key figures who recruited Chiles during his time at Oregon. That relationship could be the spark that reignites Chiles’ career. Dillingham’s offensive mind and quarterback-friendly system are tailor-made for a player like Chiles - a mobile, strong-armed passer who thrives in space and needs a coach willing to build around his skill set.
There’s also a vacancy to fill. Arizona State recently lost quarterback Sam Leavitt - another former Spartan - to the portal, opening the door for someone like Chiles to come in and compete right away.
And don’t overlook geography. Chiles is a California native.
Tempe is a lot closer to home than East Lansing, and that proximity could play a role in his decision. If Dillingham stays put - despite interest from Michigan - this could be a reunion that benefits both sides.
2. USC: A Second Chance in SoCal
Lincoln Riley is no stranger to quarterback reclamation projects - and he’s had his eye on Chiles before.
Back when Chiles first entered the portal, Riley reportedly made a strong push to bring him to USC. Chiles ultimately stuck with his head coach at Michigan State, but the Trojans’ interest hasn’t gone away. If Jayden Maiava declares for the NFL Draft, Riley could be back in the market for a quarterback - and Chiles would be a logical target.
There’s also the fact that Chiles already made an impression on USC this past season, putting together one of his better performances against the Trojans. Riley saw firsthand what Chiles can do when he’s in rhythm, and that might be enough to give him another shot.
The fit here is intriguing. Riley’s offense is built to showcase quarterbacks, and with the right development, Chiles could thrive in a system that emphasizes quick reads, tempo, and vertical threats. If Maiava moves on, don’t be surprised if USC makes a serious play.
3. Oregon State: A Return to Where It All Began
Sometimes, the best move forward is going back to where it started.
Chiles began his college career at Oregon State under then-head coach Jonathan Smith. While Smith has since moved on, the Beavers still represent a place where Chiles was once comfortable - and where he initially showed flashes of the player many believed he could become.
There’s a sentimental angle here, sure, but also a strategic one. Oregon State is in a bit of a transitional phase, and bringing back a familiar face with starting experience could help stabilize the quarterback room. It’s not clear how much interest the current staff would have without Smith in the building, but if the door’s open, Chiles might find it hard to ignore.
He knows the environment. He knows the expectations. And he might just find the reset he’s looking for in a place that once felt like home.
Final Thoughts
Aidan Chiles’ time at Michigan State didn’t go the way many envisioned, but his story is far from over. He’s still a young quarterback with a big arm, athleticism, and the kind of raw ability that coaches love to mold. The right fit could turn him into a Power Four starter - and maybe even an NFL prospect down the line.
Whether it's reconnecting with a former coach at Arizona State, joining a quarterback factory like USC, or circling back to Oregon State for a poetic final chapter, Chiles' next move will be one to watch when the portal officially opens in January.