The new look-Northwestern has its quarterback.
First reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Tuesday night, former Michigan State junior signal-caller Aidan Chiles announced Wednesday will be joining the ’Cats in Evanston for the upcoming season.
The Long Beach, California native is currently the 95th-ranked player in the transfer portal and the 14th-best quarterback, according to 247 Sports’ rankings.
Thamel said that Chiles was the ’Cats’ top target and the first quarterback they brought to campus since the transfer portal opened Jan. 2. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported that Chiles visited NU Monday night and Tuesday.
Recently hired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has typically used a system that relies on a dual-threat quarterback, and Chiles fits right in.
“If (NU) can get somebody who can run the ball as well as an accurate passer, I think it’s going to take their offense to the next level,” said Ben Bolch (Medill ’96), the Los Angeles Times’ UCLA beat writer and former deputy sports editor for The Daily Northwestern, before the announcement.
Chiles threw for 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions, while adding another 227 yards on the ground in eight games with the Spartans last season. In his three-year college career — which began at Oregon State before he transferred to Michigan State before the 2024 season — he has amassed 4,116 passing yards and 531 rushing yards.
The quarterback position was a sore spot for NU last season, as graduate student Preston Stone’s quarterback rating of 52.5 ranked a measly 95th in the country. As the team finished its 7-6 season with a bowl win, Stone’s 12 interceptions were tied for the fifth-highest in the FBS.
After ranking 98th in scoring offense, the ’Cats declined to renew former offensive coordinator Zach Lujan’s contract, according to The Athletic, and replaced him with Kelly. Since bringing in the 35-year coaching veteran, NU has been building a staff with ties to his previous roles as the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive coordinator and UCLA head coach.
The additions include quarterbacks coach Jerry Neuheisel, who rose to fame when he stepped up to lead UCLA’s offense to a three-game winning streak following a 0-4 start, including an upset victory over then-ranked No. 7 Penn State.
Neuheisel, a former UCLA quarterback, worked under Kelly for some of his tenure in Westwood, during which the Bruins set multiple program records, including most rushing yards in a season.
According to PFF, Chiles has an 83.7 rushing grade since 2024, second among Big Ten quarterbacks.
As Northwestern moves into its new $862 million stadium and expects to build off its seven-win season from 2025, Chiles will likely be the one leading the charge.
This story was updated Wednesday at 9:24 p.m. to reflect Chiles’ official commitment announcement to Northwestern.
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