Alessio Milivojevic may be the most important piece in Michigan State’s next step forward.
The Spartans have cycled through plenty of quarterbacks in the 21st century, from Drew Stanton in the early 2000s to Kirk Cousins in the late 2000s, then program standout Connor Cook in the mid-2010s and Brian Lewerke near the end of the Mark Dantonio era. After that, the position turned into a long stretch of instability. That changed halfway through the season, when Milivojevic was handed the starting job.
There’s real reason to be intrigued. Milivojevic has already thrown 10 touchdown passes against only three interceptions, and that kind of production gives Michigan State something it has badly needed: a young quarterback with room to grow. Pat Fitzgerald is trying to spark a broader revival this offseason, with the Spartans aiming for their first .500 season since 2021, and Milivojevic’s development could speed that process along.
What stood out last year was how he handled a brutal offensive line situation. He was forced to operate with little protection and little time to work through his reads, but he didn’t fall into the habit of drifting in the pocket and creating pressure for himself. Instead, he stayed composed and still found ways to deliver some impressive throws while under duress.
The inexperience is still obvious, and that matters. Milivojevic is only a redshirt sophomore, but the talent was there enough for Michigan State to choose him over NFL talent Aidan Chiles. His arm can reach every level of the field, and he has shown the ability to hit those hole shots between the cornerback and safety against Cover 2 looks.
That kind of growth is exactly what matters for a program trying to rebuild. The more Milivojevic plays, the more defensive looks he sees, and the more he should learn. With those physical tools, that progression could open up Michigan State’s passing game under offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan.
Of course, none of this comes with a guarantee. Milivojevic still has to prove it against major tests like Oregon and Notre Dame. He also won’t have Nick Marsh this year, though he does have a receiver trio with upside that could make the passing attack interesting if everything clicks.
Still, the upside is obvious. Milivojevic was a three-star recruit not long ago, but he has the chance to go from relative unknown to the most impactful player on the roster. If he keeps trending the right way, he could be the one who helps lead Michigan State toward an impressive turnaround in 2026.
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