Michigan State’s new starting quarterback, Alessio Milivojevic, has landed in the lower half of The Athletic’s preseason quarterback tiers, but he still checked in just ahead of the man he’s replacing.
The Athletic placed Milivojevic in its sixth of seven tiers while ranking the expected starting quarterbacks across the country. In the national list, he came in at No. 69 overall, one spot ahead of former Spartans starter Aidan Chiles, who is set to continue his career at Northwestern this fall.
The outlet’s description of that sixth tier was broad, grouping together a mix of quarterbacks with unfinished business and others just getting their shot. The tier was defined this way:
"Former Power 4 blue-chip recruits who have found new homes and are trying to make the most of their new opportunities, plus some veterans who have not put it all together yet and young QBs with bright futures who are just now getting their chance. And there are a lot of quality Group of 6 QBs teams can win with."
Milivojevic also drew a measured scouting note from an unnamed Big Ten assistant coach who worked in the league last year. The coach liked the arm talent, but pointed to the physical side of the position as the main question.
"Can spin it, sharp and all that. I think the only concern is athletically, being able to get out of the way,” said an assistant coach in the article.
“I think he has a chance to be a good one. It’s just how well they’re going to be able to protect him.
How well they’ll be able to run the ball to make it easier on him.”
For Michigan State, Milivojevic’s development matters. The Spartans are counting on him to help get things moving in the right direction, and he finished last season on a strong note.
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