Michigan State: Aidan Chiles: Aidan Chiles, in his second year as a starter, has seen his share of ups and downs. After a disappointing first season, he has been more careful with the football in 2025, but his performance has been inconsistent.

• Passing: As of October 22, 2025, Chiles has thrown for 1,262 yards and 10 touchdowns with three interceptions. However, he has struggled in October, with only one passing touchdown and two interceptions in three games.
• Rushing: A dual-threat quarterback, Chiles has added 235 yards and five touchdowns on the ground this season.
• Experience: Chiles brings the maturity of a second-year starter who has worked to improve his mechanics and decision-making. He is more seasoned in the college game than Bryce Underwood, having played in last year's edition of the rivalry.

Michigan: Bryce Underwood: As a true freshman, Underwood has proven to be a quick study, winning the starting job before seasons start and performing well, especially in conference games.

• Passing: Through seven games, Underwood has passed for 1,440 yards, with seven touchdowns and only two interceptions. He has a stronger completion percentage (66.3%) and average passing yards (8.0) in Big Ten games compared to Chiles (59.6%, 6.4).
• Rushing: Underwood is also a threat with his legs, with 202 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
• Rivalry debut: While he grew up in the area and is familiar with the rivalry, this will be Underwood's first time playing in it.

Keys to victory for each quarterback

What Chiles needs to do

• Trust his experience: Chiles has already faced the pressures of the rivalry and can use that experience to stay composed and avoid turnovers, which have been an issue for him in the past.
• Utilize the run game: The Michigan State offense has been at its best when it can establish the run, opening up opportunities for Chiles to make plays with his arm or legs.
• Play within himself: With a capable offense around him, Chiles doesn't need to force throws or try to do too much. He can focus on taking what the defense gives him and capitalizing on his opportunities.

What Underwood needs to do

• Stay composed: As a true freshman in his first rivalry game on the road, Underwood must manage his nerves and avoid making costly mistakes.
• Lean on the running backs: Michigan's offensive identity has relied heavily on its ground game, with running back Justice Haynes still nursing an injury the load may very well fall on Jordan Marshall. Underwood can let the run game set up the pass, easing the pressure on him.
• Target his tight ends: With the recent emergence of tight end Zach Marshall, Underwood has another reliable target to exploit the Spartans' defense, particularly in key situations.

The bottom line: This duel of young guns is about more than just personal stats; it's a proxy war for the future of the rivalry. Can the more experienced Chiles lead a desperate and struggling Michigan State team to a statement win, or will the highly-touted freshman Underwood extend Michigan's dominance? The answer lies in which quarterback can best manage the moment, execute their team's game plan, and avoid the mistakes that have plagued them in the past.