After being fired as the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive coordinator back in November 2025, Chip Kelly has returned to college football as the Northwestern Wildcats’ new offensive coordinator.
After taking charge of the Illinois-based program’s offense ahead of the 2026 season, Kelly has been tasked with assembling an S-tier offensive roster for the Wildcats and has been very active in the January transfer portal.
New reports suggest that quarterback Aidan Chiles, after leaving Michigan State to join the transfer portal, is slated to visit Northwestern.
Michigan State transfer QB Aidan Chiles is visiting Northwestern today, sources tell @On3sports.
The former Oregon State transfer has thrown for 4,116 career yards and 27 TDs. Has also rushed for 12 TDs. Would be a key addition for new OC Chip Kelly. https://t.co/iVsfUcvzms https://t.co/l2EXV48TvZ pic.twitter.com/JBWh0pZIa5
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) January 6, 2026
Chiles has compiled a total of 4,116 career yards alongside 27 touchdowns, with On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos calling him “a key addition” to Kelly’s offense.
While Kelly would love to have someone like Chiles playing on the offense, the likes of Virginia and Clemson, too, are reportedly vying to get the former Michigan State quarterback on their respective teams.
Chiles, after being touted as an NFL prospect in his first season with Michigan State under head coach Jonathan Smith in East Lansing, is still on the lookout for his next college football program, and it will be very interesting to see who he signs for come next season.
CB Brenden Deasfernandes Commits to Northwestern Following Official Visit
While the Wildcats try to sign Chiles on the offensive front, they have also been reinforcing their defense.
With the January transfer portal set to close on 16th January, Northwestern secured a commitment from Central Michigan cornerback Brenden Deasfernandes after hosting him on an official visit on Monday.
During the 2025 season, he appeared in 13 games primarily as an outside corner, recording 25 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and two interceptions.
Despite having garnered interest from Minnesota and California, Deasfernandes chose the Illinois-based program.
Northwestern gets a commitment from Central Michigan CB transfer Brenden Deasfernandes following his official visit with the Wildcats.
He lists the defensive ideology and honesty of the staff as reasons he made the call.https://t.co/m5fpWLkgUr pic.twitter.com/ex9Gt4RysK
— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) January 6, 2026
The cornerback was reportedly chosen by Northwestern courtesy of head coach David Braun’s vision for the program, whilst defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle’s defensive ideology is something that drew him towards the program.
Read More:
- “Weirdest Culture Fit”: Fans React As Chip Kelly Joins Northwestern As Offensive Coordinator Weeks After Raiders Firing
- Kenny Minchey Transfer Portal: Notre Dame QB Makes Surprise $400M Switch Ditching Nebraska Move
- Oklahoma Football Transfer Portal Tracker: Full List Of Stars Set To Leave And Join Brent Venables’ Squad Ft. Trell Harris
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