Cincinnati Football Linked to High-Profile Quarterback Transfer

Cincinnati might be in the market for a quarterback, and a pretty intriguing name just popped up in connection to the Bearcats. Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles is officially in the transfer portal, and according to multiple reports, Cincy’s at least on the radar as a landing spot.

Now, this isn’t some random flyer. Chiles is a legit high-profile transfer. He’s a 6-foot-3 quarterback out of Long Beach, California, who started his career at Oregon State back in 2023. He didn’t stay long, transferring to Michigan State the next year, and spent the last two seasons in East Lansing. Last fall, he threw for 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just three picks. It wasn’t jaw-dropping, but it was solid, and it came behind a pretty shaky offensive line on a team that struggled to put it all together.

That’s what makes this interesting for Cincinnati. They need a quarterback with experience, and Chiles fits that mold. He’s not just some backup looking for a chance; he’s played meaningful snaps in the Big Ten, and he’s flashed enough to make you think he’s got another gear. If the Bearcats can land him, that changes the tone heading into spring ball.

This also lines up with what’s been happening under the hood at Cincy. The offense last year was elite, but with star quarterback Brendan Sorsby out the door, the picture got a little blurry. Bringing in someone like Chiles could help steady that, and maybe even open things up a bit more with his mobility and arm talent. He may not be a Heisman watch list member or anything, but he can move the offense and keep the ball where it belongs. That’s more than a few teams can say heading into 2026.

Now, nothing’s done yet. These portal storylines come and go fast, and for all we know, Chiles could end up in a completely different part of the country. But Cincinnati being mentioned at all tells you they’re active and looking to upgrade. And if they can close the deal here, that would be a major boost in a league that isn’t exactly light on quarterback play.

Let’s see if this one turns into something real. If it does, Cincinnati just might find itself with a new leader under center who’s got the reps, the size, and the arm to make some noise.