Alessio Milivojevic faced a pivotal decision this offseason. Following the departure of head coach Jonathan Smith, Michigan State moved quickly to bring in Pat Fitzgerald as his successor.
For Milivojevic, an Illinois native, the choice about his future was pressing. After discussions with family, friends, and the new coach, he made his decision swiftly.
He’s staying.
Milivojevic appeared on the "You Are the Program" podcast, hosted by former Spartans Dante Razzano, Brian Lewerke, and Tyler Higby, to discuss his decision to remain at Michigan State despite the coaching change.
Reflecting on his conversation with Fitzgerald, Milivojevic said, "I knew right away that East Lansing's where I'm gonna be." That initial phone call with Fitzgerald was all it took to convince him to stay, underscoring the coach’s persuasive vision for the team.
Milivojevic was impressed by Fitzgerald’s drive and the direction he envisions for the program. This conviction solidified his decision to remain a Spartan.
It was intriguing to hear a former Michigan State quarterback, who once carried high expectations after a standout season, converse with the current QB aiming for a similar resurgence. Higby even noted the similarities between Fitzgerald and former coach Mark Dantonio.
With the new coaching staff in place, Milivojevic, Michigan State's QB1, faces significant expectations in 2026.
Alessio Milivojevic has the potential to etch his name in Spartan lore.
Is this a bold prediction? Perhaps, but consider this: Milivojevic has the opportunity to become a Spartan legend over the next few years.
This isn't a term to be used lightly. As a redshirt sophomore, he stands at a crossroads similar to those faced by some of Michigan State's greatest quarterbacks.
He has the chance to rejuvenate the program after years of struggle.
Following Nick Saban’s departure to LSU in 2000, Michigan State endured a period of mediocrity under coaches Bobby Williams and John L. Smith, until Dantonio’s arrival in 2007. While Brian Hoyer might not be a "Spartan legend," he did steer the program in the right direction and enjoyed a solid NFL career.
Kirk Cousins took things further, laying the foundation for a powerhouse in the 2010s. He was succeeded by Connor Cook, and after a challenging 2016, Lewerke brought a memorable season in 2017 before injuries hampered his final years.
Milivojevic has the potential to be the quarterback who not only restores Michigan State to its winning ways, like Hoyer, but also propels the Spartans to the top of the Big Ten, as Cousins did. If he fulfills his vast potential, Milivojevic could be both of those figures over the next few years.