Aidan Chiles Big Ten Ranking: 5 Key Reasons for USA TODAY’s Decision

East Lansing, MI – As anticipation builds for the 2025 college football season, one headline has caught the attention of Michigan State fans: USA TODAY Sports recently ranked Aidan Chiles, the projected starting quarterback for Michigan State University (MSU), in the bottom half of Big Ten QBs.

For many Spartan supporters, the ranking is a surprise. Chiles, a transfer from Oregon State and a former four-star recruit, arrived in East Lansing with high expectations. With a new coaching staff, new energy, and a fresh offensive system, many had hoped Chiles would be seen as a breakout candidate.

But USA TODAY’s preseason rankings painted a more cautious picture. The publication placed Chiles in the lower tier of Big Ten quarterbacks, below more experienced signal-callers from across the newly expanded 18-team conference.

So, what led to this evaluation? Let’s dive into the five key reasons for Chiles’ lower ranking—and what it may mean moving forward.

1. Limited On-Field Experience

Perhaps the most straightforward reason for Chiles’ low placement is his lack of starting experience. At Oregon State, Chiles mostly served as a backup to DJ Uiagalelei. While he saw action in several games and showed flashes of his ability, he never started a full game in a high-pressure Power Five environment.

Quarterback is a position where reps matter. Experience under pressure, in hostile stadiums, and in tight games often separates top-tier QBs from the rest. Without a solid college resume yet, Chiles is still viewed as a “potential” guy rather than a proven commodity.

Even in the spring game at MSU, while Chiles showed athleticism and strong arm strength, some inconsistencies were evident—especially in intermediate accuracy and pocket awareness.

2. Learning a New Offense Under a New Head Coach

Another factor working against Chiles—at least in the eyes of national analysts—is the situation at Michigan State. The 2025 season marks the beginning of the Jonathan Smith era, and while that brings renewed hope, it also brings change.

Smith, who coached Chiles briefly at Oregon State, has brought in a completely new playbook and offensive scheme. Chiles must now learn a new system while leading a team that is also adjusting to a new identity.

Transitions like these often come with growing pains. Even talented quarterbacks need time to adjust to timing routes, reads, audibles, and leadership expectations in a new environment. USA TODAY may have factored that into their assessment, ranking more seasoned QBs from programs with stable systems higher.

3. Intense Competition in a Loaded Big Ten Conference

It’s worth noting that the Big Ten has never been more competitive at quarterback than it is in 2025. With the addition of four powerhouse programs—USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington—the level of quarterback play in the conference has dramatically risen.

Even with the departure of stars like Caleb Williams and Bo Nix to the NFL, the replacements at those schools come from strong quarterback pipelines. Combine that with returning stars from Michigan, Penn State, Iowa, and Wisconsin, and the competition becomes fierce.

It’s not that Chiles is necessarily underperforming. He’s just competing in a much stronger quarterback pool than previous MSU QBs.

4. Still Developing—Strengths and Weaknesses

Chiles is clearly a work in progress, and that’s not a bad thing for a sophomore quarterback. He has excellent traits: quick feet, a powerful throwing arm, and the ability to escape pressure and extend plays.

But like many young quarterbacks, he’s still learning how to read complex defenses, recognize blitz packages, and deliver consistent throws under duress. His decision-making in tight windows, especially in the red zone, is something coaches are working on every day in camp.

USA TODAY’s ranking reflects the gap between potential and polish. While Chiles might be a star in the making, until he strings together strong, consistent performances on Saturdays, he’ll be evaluated conservatively.

5. MSU’s Roster Still in Rebuild Mode

Another major factor? The team around him. Michigan State is coming off a difficult stretch—multiple losing seasons, a coaching scandal, and major roster turnover.

The offensive line remains unproven, and the receiving corps is relatively young. Though there’s talent on the roster, much of it is still developing.

Quarterbacks often get more credit—or more blame—than they deserve. If Chiles struggles, it could be as much about protection and play-calling as it is about his ability. USA TODAY likely weighed the overall offensive outlook at MSU when assigning QB rankings.

Reactions From Analysts, Fans, and Coaches

The ranking sparked a range of responses across college football media and Spartan fan circles.

Some fans felt it was a harsh evaluation, especially for a player who hasn’t been given a full season to prove himself.

“He’s young, yes—but that doesn’t mean he’s bottom-tier,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “By Week 4, this ranking will look laughable.”

Others felt it was fair and realistic.

“He has all the tools, but we haven’t seen him use them consistently yet. That’s not hate—it’s just being honest,” said Big Ten Network analyst Ben Holden.

Michigan State’s coaching staff, for their part, seemed unfazed by the ranking. Offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren told reporters:

“Aidan’s ceiling is high. He’s improving every day. Rankings are fun for media, but our job is to prepare him to win football games.”

What’s Next: A Big Opportunity for Chiles

The great thing about preseason rankings? They don’t mean much once the games begin.

Chiles will have multiple chances to show he belongs in the top half of the Big Ten quarterback group. Early games against Minnesota, Rutgers, and Arizona could give him a soft landing and time to build confidence before facing tougher conference opponents.

His ability to lead game-winning drives, convert on third downs, and limit turnovers will be key to MSU’s success—and to changing the narrative around his name.

If Chiles can guide the Spartans to a winning season, develop chemistry with his receivers, and showcase consistency, there’s every reason to believe his ranking will rise quickly.

Final Thoughts

The Aidan Chiles Big Ten ranking by USA TODAY Sports is just a snapshot—an early judgment based on limited tape and cautious projection. While it may seem like a setback, it’s also a powerful motivator for a quarterback with much to prove and everything to gain.

Chiles’ journey is only beginning. He has the talent, the opportunity, and the support system to rise—not just in the rankings, but as a true leader for a Michigan State program that’s looking to redefine itself.

In football, as in life, it’s not about where you start. It’s about how you respond.