“Even in our wins, he isn’t performing well,” social work sophomore Lily Christophersen said of Chiles. “I just feel like he’s starting off on a really bad note and he’s such an important part of our team, but he isn’t really living up to hit our standards of what he’s supposed to be. He is kind of choking right now.”  

In MSU's most recent game at Boston College, Chiles threw three interceptions. The last one came on MSU's final drive of the game, a throw into double coverage with ample time on a comfortable down and distance to give the Eagles a 23-19 victory. 

“The BC game was brutal,” digital storytelling freshman Tanner Flachs said. “I want to believe in Aidan Chiles, but he hasn't really given me much to believe in. As of right now, I think he's serviceable, but if there's an option out there, I don't think we should wait for it, to be honest.” 

Still, Chiles is just 19 years old, and his youth and athletic ability offers MSU an advantage it hasn't had since before the Mark Dantonio era. However, with that comes the inevitable growing pains as he navigates the pressure of being a starting quarterback in the new-look Big Ten.

With quick-twitch scrambling ability and a powerful arm, Chiles has the potential to develop into a formidable threat for MSU's opponents. The early struggles he's faced are common for young quarterbacks, especially when adjusting to a new system and teammates.

As he gains more experience and familiarity with the playbook, Chiles has the opportunity to refine his skills and grow into a leader on the field. Many MSU students have given him the benefit of the doubt so far. 

“It's early on in the season,” business freshman Sam Ebihara said. "I understand the struggles, and he's new to the team and the playbook. They have a new head coach, too, so it is a big adjustment for everyone. He is still a young quarterback, and I think he's got a lot time to develop and figure things out, so I'm not too worried. I think he's going to be good and I think he's going to be here for a couple of years.”

It's clear Chiles has the tools to be successful at MSU. After all, he came with MSU head coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State to be the face of the Spartans and their future. In MSU's second game, on the road at Maryland, Chiles and 17-year-old freshman wideout Nick Marsh connected eight times for 194 yards and a 77-yard touchdown to tie the game deep in the fourth quarter. The Spartans won on a last-second field goal to start 1-0 in the Big Ten under Smith. 

In the Maryland game, Chiles put the offense on his shoulders when it mattered most. Last Saturday, timely mistakes from the inexperienced quarterback cost MSU its first 4-0 start in three years and a potential AP Top 25 spot entering Saturday's slate with No. 3 Ohio State. 

“It's just a part of football,” education senior Griffin Gustafson said. "He's a young quarterback. I'd give it a year, and then next year, we'll be good. I think we'll be ranked next year. I think that he deserves to start. He's our future, and if you think not, you don't see the vision. We need to give him time.” 

For Chiles and MSU, a scheduling gauntlet lies ahead as they play three opponents ranked inside the top 15 in a four-game stretch: Ohio State, No. 8 Oregon and No. 12 Michigan. The challenges Chiles has experienced could serve as valuable tests that ultimately strengthen his decision-making and bolster his confidence. 

“I will never lose faith in Aidan Chiles,” finance junior Victor Gamez said. “At the end of the day, he is a Spartan. I will always be confident and have pride in anyone who puts on that MSU football jersey.”