A former Spartans quarterback is returning to the banks of the Red Cedar River this week, and the new Michigan State football coach knows he'll be tough to stop.
Spartans head coach Pat Fitzgerald held his weekly press conference on Monday, and he had plenty of positive things to say about former Michigan State and current Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles. He noted that Chiles is "playing outstanding" and that the Wildcats' offense is operating with "so much efficiency" so far this season.
Here are a few quotes from Fitzgerald about Chiles and the Northwestern offense -- courtesy of Emmett Matasovsky of Spartan Shadows:
Pat Fitzgerald: "He (Aidan Chiles) is playing outstanding. He's executing Coach Kelly's offense outstanding."
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) October 12, 2026
Pat Fitzgerald:
"What Chip does so well is that they operate with so much efficiency. Aidan Chiles has played at a very high level, that much jumps off the video."
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) October 12, 2026
Chiles is in his first season with the Wildcats after playing two years at Michigan State. He entered the transfer portal after former Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith was let go last year and has played very with Northwestern this year.
Chiles is completing over 70 percent of his throws this season, with 1,172 passing yards and nine touchdowns. Even more notable is that Chiles is yet to throw an interception this season, which was something he struggled with while with the Spartans. Chiles also has ran for six touchdowns this season.
Chiles' strong play this year is a big reason why the Wildcats are 4-1 overall and ranked at No. 25 in this week's Associated Press (AP) poll. Northwestern is listed as a near double-digit favorite against the struggling Spartans this week.
Kickoff for this week's matchup between Michigan State and Northwestern is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET. The game will be streamed on Peacock.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Fitzgerald praises former Spartan, current NW QB Aidan Chiles ahead of this week's game
