Michigan State starting QB: Who will start for the Spartans during season opener against FAU

The Michigan State Spartans are set to open their 2024 college football season at home against the FAU Owls on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EDT, with the game being shown on the Big Ten Network.

The Spartans' starting quarterback in Week 1 is Aidan Chiles who transferred from Oregon State. Chiles was recruited by Jonathan Smith who left Oregon State to take the Michigan State job.

After landing Chiles in the transfer portal, he was named the starting quarterback by Smith.

“I think he’s definitely ready for this,” Smith said, via LindysSports. “He’s a competitive player. And a true competitor understands it’s not going to go perfect every snap, and things are going to take place. There’s gonna be some really good plays, too. But there’s nothing like experience. And the guy’s been out on the field playing big-time football before.”

Chiles appeared in nine games as a freshman backup at Oregon State, going 24-for-35 for 309 yards and four touchdowns.

The quarterback also gave a brash take on the game, as he told bettors to take the over as he has confidence in Michigan State's offense.

"‘I’m here to play football, I’m looking forward to seeing this team play against somebody else. … I think a lot of people have counted us out. … I love being counted out, I love to be the underdog. ... All I’m saying is that if you’re a betting person, take the over," Chiles said, via SpartansWire.

Michigan State is a 13-point favorite and will then go on the road to play Maryland in Week 2.

Michigan State quarterback depth chart

The Spartans have a new-look quarterback room in 2024 and have plenty of quarterbacks on the roster.

The team's backup QB is Tommy Schuster who transferred to the school after four years at North Dakota. He went 206-for-292 for 2,238 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions last season.

The Spartans also have Alessio Milivojevic, Ryland Jessee, and Atticus Carridine in the quarterback room.