Oregon State QB Aidan Chiles follows Coach Smith to Michigan State - ESPN

Former Oregon State quarterback Aidan Chiles is transferring to Michigan State, he told ESPN, a move that reconnects him with new Spartans coach Jonathan Smith.

Chiles, who hails from Southern California, visited in recent days and decided to commit to Smith, the coach who recruited him out of high school and whom he played for during one promising season at Oregon State in 2023.

Chiles is immediately eligible and has three years of eligibility remaining, giving an immediate offensive identity to Smith's tenure at Michigan State. Chiles will enroll immediately and arrive in early January.

With all of Michigan State's scholarship quarterbacks entering the transfer portal, Chiles' commitment gives Smith a bedrock player to build around and pitch recruits to play with. Chiles pointed out his affinity for Smith and the staff, familiarity with the offensive system, and the «bigger stage» offered by the Big Ten as reasons for his choice.

Chiles, who turned 18 in September, didn't start any games for Oregon State this season. But he played well enough after enrolling in January to beat out veteran Ben Gulbranson for the backup quarterback job and push starter DJ Uiagalelei for playing time.

«I talked to Coach Smith, and at the end of the day, I told him, 'I came to play for you,'» Chiles told ESPN. "'Wherever you go, that's where I want to be.'"

Chiles is 6-foot-3, 200 pounds and showcased dual-threat ability at Oregon State. Chiles said he didn't visit any other schools.

Chiles flashed enough potential as a true freshman that Smith began inserting him for the third series of each game, beginning on Sept. 30 against Utah and stretching through the season. He played well for the entire season, showcasing the dual-threat ability