Predicting MSU QB Chiles' Target Share

Which Michigan State pass-catchers will Aidan Chiles throw to the most?

Nov 30, 2024; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Jack Velling (12) pulls in a touchdown pass with Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Timmy Hinspeter (44) in pursuit during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images | Dale Young-Imagn Images

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles is hoping to have a productive junior season in his second year leading the Spartans. 

Chiles struggled in 2024 after transferring from Oregon State, throwing 11 interceptions and fumbling far too often. 

The Spartans' coaching staff added talent and a familiar mentor around Chiles to help him improve in 2025. The team has multiple talented pass-catchers who will elevate the offense’s floor and make life easier for the quarterback. 

Chiles has multiple options to throw to this upcoming season. Which wide receivers or tight ends will he throw to the most? 

Let’s break down who will receive the most passes from Chiles in 2025. 

Nick Marsh 

Michigan State's Nick Marsh catches a pass against Indiana during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A receiver who could develop into one of the best at his position this season, Marsh will be the Spartans’ top option in the passing game. 

Chiles and Marsh already have a strong connection on and off the field, and as they both develop as players, their connection will only grow. This duo actualizing its potential would lead to MSU’s offense surprising in 2025. 

Marsh was second on the team in receptions last season with 41. With Montorie Foster Jr. gone, Marsh will be the main recipient of Chiles’ passes. 

Omari Kelly 

MSU WR Omari Kelly snags a pass, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, during the first day of football practice at the Skandalaris Football Center. | Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The experienced Middle Tennessee transfer has made headlines as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver. 

Kelly caught 53 passes for 869 yards last season, which would have led the Spartans in both categories. He has started to build chemistry with Chiles, and his speed and quickness should result in seeing more targets. 

Having a player like Kelly take pressure off Marsh, coupled with his ability to run multiple different routes, should mean a large target share from Chiles to Kelly. 

Jack Velling 

Michigan State's Jack Velling, left, catches a pass as Iowa's Kyler Fisher closes in during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Oregon State connection was not as prolific as advertised last season, but there is reason to believe it will be stronger this upcoming season. 

Velling caught 36 passes for 411 yards, but only one garbage-time touchdown. He did not settle into the offense as many expected he would, but now that he is comfortable in East Lansing, Velling should have a bigger role in the offense. 

Velling will be the team’s top pass-catching tight end next season. His connection with Chiles should only grow this season.

Be sure to keep up with all our Michigan State football content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to let us know who you think Chiles will throw to the most when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.