Nebraska football is officially in the quarterback market this offseason, and the search has now taken a more focused turn. For the first time, the Huskers have been linked to a specific name in the transfer portal: Aidan Chiles.
According to recent intel, Matt Rhule and his staff are exploring multiple quarterback options, and Chiles is one of the players drawing interest. While nothing is imminent, the connection is worth watching - especially given Nebraska’s urgent need for stability and playmaking at the most important position on the field.
Who Is Aidan Chiles?
Chiles is no stranger to Power Five football. Over the past three seasons, he’s seen action in 30 games between stints at Michigan State and Oregon State. Most of that experience came in East Lansing, where he logged 21 appearances before being benched late this past season.
Statistically, Chiles’ 2024 campaign was a mixed bag. He led the Big Ten in interceptions with 11 but also threw 13 touchdown passes.
Across his college career, he’s totaled 27 touchdowns and 14 picks, averaging 181 passing yards per game with a completion rate just north of 60%. He’s not just a pocket passer, either - Chiles has added 531 rushing yards and 12 scores on the ground, showing flashes of the dual-threat potential that once made him a blue-chip recruit.
That dual-threat ability is what makes him intriguing for Nebraska. While the passing numbers have dipped over the past two seasons, the raw tools are still there.
Chiles has shown NFL-caliber arm talent in stretches - particularly during a junior season where he tossed 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions. That version of Chiles looked like a future pro.
The challenge is finding a system and a coaching staff that can bring that version back.
A Reclamation Project With Upside
Let’s be clear: Chiles wouldn’t be coming in as a polished, plug-and-play starter. He’d be a bit of a reclamation project.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it might be exactly what Nebraska needs - a high-upside quarterback who’s already proven he can win Big Ten games, but who still has room to grow.
With a better supporting cast and more stable coaching environment, Chiles could thrive. That’s the bet Nebraska would be making.
And it’s not an unreasonable one. The Huskers have made strides in recruiting and development under Rhule, and the infrastructure is improving.
If Chiles lands in Lincoln, he wouldn’t have to carry the team - he’d just need to elevate it.
Floor vs. Ceiling
At worst, Chiles could provide valuable depth behind Lateef, giving Nebraska a capable backup with real-game experience. That alone would be an upgrade from where things stood at times last season.
But the best-case scenario? That’s where things get interesting.
If Chiles can recapture the form he showed earlier in his career - with better protection, more consistent weapons, and a coaching staff that knows how to tailor a scheme to his strengths - Nebraska might just find itself with a legitimate Big Ten starter on its hands.
The Huskers need a quarterback who can compete from day one, but they also need someone who can grow with the program. Aidan Chiles could check both boxes - if the fit is right.
The quarterback dominoes are just starting to fall in the portal, and Nebraska is officially in the mix. Keep an eye on this one.