Alessio Milivojevic Taking Experience, Command Into Sophomore Season

Last season, Michigan State football entered week one with starting quarterback Aidan Chiles and plenty of hype as the season began. Late in the game, as the Spartans had looked to close a shutout of a game, the Spartans sent in backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic to get game experience in.

His first throw had occurred in the same scene, at Spartan Stadium, the previous year. In the late seconds of a dismal season finale against Rutgers, Milivojevic got the final series to reward him for a season as the third-string quarterback. On his third snap, he got to make his first throw, which was promptly intercepted.

Flashing back to week one of 2025, Milivojevic got his chance for redemption. He dropped back, eyed a receiver, and threw another interception, this time returned for a touchdown by Spartan legacy and transfer defensive back Tate Hallock.

In a way, it was the lowest of lows. It would have been easy for the staff or the quarterback to give in, throw in the towel. Milivojevic would not get another chance to touch the ball in game until a road matchup against Nebraska. Away from the friendly confines of home, Milivojevic rose to the occasion, leading a touchdown drive late against a sellout Nebraska crowd.

The confidence and momentum started. Milivojevic would go on to lead a late touchdown drive against Indiana and Michigan, before his chance came. With the Spartans in the middle of a losing streak and hoping to keep their fleeting bowl hopes alive, Milivojevic was named the starter shortly before kickoff on a crisp November in the Twin Cities.

This was not a sunshine and rainbows story, however, with the redshirt freshman taking a half-dozen sacks in the first half alone, of which only one or two were from the ball not coming out fast enough. The quarterback rallied to bring the Spartans to overtime, including a long touchdown to Rod Bullard Jr. in a tight window on the sidelines, with the receiver making a play for the catch-and-run.

This season, he brings back the experience. During his media session on Tuesday, the quarterback mentioned how he had prepped as a starter even as QB2, but nothing compares to game reps.

Milivojevic has a hockey and lacrosse background to lean on, with that hockey side coming out to showcase his toughness and willingness to put his body on the line for the team. Granted, the quarterback was the first to preface that taking shots occurred within reason, as the best ability is availability.

The main difference this year for the Illinois native is his feel of the offense and his command in the huddle. Instead of the player that made the plays in practice, Milivojevic enters week one after winning Big Ten Freshman of the Week in his final outing during the 2025 season, his first collegiate win as a starter against Maryland.

Milivojevic has taken hits already in his young career, but he discussed the blessing of it, as being out on that field means his clock is adjusted to what is making a play as opposed to making a play in practice that is a game action sack.

This season, with a whole new staff, there is a new benefit for Milivojevic, too. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan will be on the sidelines with the team this season, something that he had not experienced with previous staff. Milivojevic was happy with the decision, as it gives him the ability to talk to his offensive coordinator face to face and communicate, something he would normally only get at halftime.

This season, Milivojevic enters as the entrenched starter and leader. Since the portal opened and the Spartan staff looked to bring platers in, the sophomore sat in on every meeting, opening the door.

Nick Sheridan praised his quarterback, explaining that while the all-22 shows how a player performed on the field, a viewer does not see his attitude, how much he cares about and represents the school, how he cares about his teammates and staff.

Milivojevic has earned his opportunity to lead the team in the Spartan Walk and out of the tunnel as a team captain. He might take some hard hits during Friday’s opener and during the season, but he is one tough customer that is going to get up and fight for the next down.