Aidan Chiles’ Future in Doubt as New Michigan State Coach Pat Fitzgerald Eyes New QB

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles faces an uncertain future. New head coach Pat Fitzgerald appears to favor a different signal-caller for 2026. This follows the recent firing of Chiles’ longtime coach, Jonathan Smith. The situation leaves Chiles at a career crossroads.Smith brought Chiles from Oregon State to East Lansing two years ago. The quarterback showed flashes of his potential but never fully seized the starting role. Now, with a new coaching regime, his path to playing time is unclear.

Milivojevic Emerges as Fitzgerald’s Apparent Choice

Fitzgerald has quickly signaled a new direction. He has publicly connected with redshirt freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. Reports from ESPN indicate the new coach made retaining Milivojevic an immediate priority.Milivojevic performed well in relief duty late last season. He threw ten touchdown passes across nine appearances. His recent social media activity strongly suggests he plans to return and compete for the starting job next summer.This creates a direct challenge for Chiles. If Milivojevic is the presumed starter, Chiles would enter a fierce offseason competition. For a player with NFL ambitions, a backup role is not an ideal scenario.

Transfer Portal Looms as a Likely Option for Chiles

The most probable path forward for Chiles is the NCAA transfer portal. Multiple analysts from CBS Sports suggest he will seek a program where he is guaranteed a starting role. His talent and experience make him an attractive option for many teams.His connection to the previous staff is now a complication. Chiles played for Jonathan Smith for three consecutive seasons. With that tie severed, his primary reason for being at Michigan State is gone.The coming weeks will be critical. Fitzgerald will hire an offensive coordinator who will have significant input. However, the early actions of the new head coach have set a clear tone. The quarterback room is poised for major change.

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The Aidan Chiles saga highlights the rapid upheaval in college football. Coaching changes can instantly alter a player’s trajectory. Chiles must now decide if his future remains in East Lansing or elsewhere.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why is Aidan Chiles’ starting job at risk?

New head coach Pat Fitzgerald has shown a clear preference for quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. Fitzgerald prioritized meeting with Milivojevic immediately after being hired, signaling a potential change in the team’s QB plans.

Q2: Who is Alessio Milivojevic?

He is a redshirt freshman quarterback for Michigan State. Milivojevic filled in for Chiles late last season, throwing 10 touchdowns and making a positive impression on the new coaching staff.

Q3: Will Aidan Chiles enter the transfer portal?

While not confirmed, it is widely considered a strong possibility. Analysts believe he will seek a program where he can be the definitive starter to boost his profile for the NFL draft.

Q4: What was Aidan Chiles’ record as a starter?

Chiles had a mixed record leading the Spartans offense. He demonstrated clear athletic talent but struggled with consistency, which ultimately led to questions about his hold on the starting position.

Q5: Did Jonathan Smith try to bring Chiles with him?

There are no reports indicating Smith, who was fired, attempted to bring Chiles to his next destination. The quarterback’s decision appears separate from his former coach’s next move.