Michigan State football is entering a new chapter as Aidan Chiles takes the helm as the starting quarterback under head coach Jonathan Smith.
With the season opener against Florida Atlantic just around the corner, the Spartans are focused on building a cohesive team dynamic.
This summer, Smith brought in Chris Petersen, a respected mentor, to share his leadership philosophy, known as "WAVE," which emphasizes Work, Attention, Vibe, and Enthusiasm. Chiles has embraced this approach, aiming to foster a positive atmosphere within the team.
Despite being just 18 years old and having limited playing experience, Chiles has earned the respect of his teammates, who voted him as one of the team’s five captains.
This recognition reflects their confidence in his ability to lead and contribute to the team's growth.
“It just shows me that the team really believes in me as a leader and believes in my abilities to help them grow as a team,” he said after practice Thursday, eight days from MSU’s season opener against Florida Atlantic. “And also to help me grow as a person, as a player. So it just shows that I have the traits, and that the team also has the traits … and we can do this thing.”
Chiles joins a select group of young quarterbacks at Michigan State who have been named captain early in their careers. Alongside him are Tanner Miller, Jordan Turner, and Nate Carter, all of whom are new to the program, highlighting a significant shift in the team’s makeup.
Maverick Hansen, the only captain with a long-standing presence at MSU, noted the strong bonds forming among the players, which is crucial for team unity.
“It feels like we've been teammates for the years, because everyone is so tight,” Hansen said Thursday . “We talk to each other and we spend time (together) outside of football. We truly care about each other, and I truly value and appreciate all of our guys that came in and are willing to put the work in for the green and white.”
Chiles has been proactive in developing his leadership skills, working closely with teammates during the offseason to improve their chemistry on the field.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as coaches have praised his ability to connect with players across all positions, particularly, Receivers Coach Courtney Hawkins.
"He's a guy that that binds the entire team,” Hawkins said . “You'll see him over there on the defensive side, you'll see him on offensive side, he's with the special teams guys. That's the kind of dude you need on your team. And he's done a tremendous job of just helping to pull everything together, and it's been fun to watch. He has natural leadership skills. He's a QB, and it comes easy to him.”
As the Spartans prepare for their season opener, the focus remains on moving forward and creating a fresh identity following a tumultuous previous season.
The team has undergone significant changes, with numerous new players joining the roster, and the atmosphere around the program is noticeably more positive.
With the first game approaching, Chiles and the Spartans are eager to showcase their hard work and the new direction of the program.
“We get to play to somebody other than ourselves,” Chiles said . “It's been a long time coming. I got here in January —it's been about eight, nine months, and it's just exciting to finally play somebody else. I feel like we're ready. We can do a lot of things. We just have to put it all together.”
The excitement is palpable as they look forward to competing against another team and proving their potential on the field.
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