Being named the leader of the Michigan State offense is only the beginning of what Alessio Milivojevic wants to accomplish

A year ago, Alessio Milivojevic was trying to prove he belonged.

Entering Week 1 of the 2026 season, there is no longer any question about his place at Michigan State.

The redshirt sophomore will lead the Spartans into their season opener against Toledo as the unquestioned starting quarterback, a team captain, and one of the central figures in Pat Fitzgerald’s first season at Michigan State.

Milivojevic earned that position with the way he finished 2025.

After taking over late in the season and starting the final four games, he finished with 1,267 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and just three interceptions while completing more than 64% of his passes.

Those four starts provided evidence that Milivojevic could handle the job. This offseason has been about preparing to own it.

For Milivojevic, however, becoming Michigan State’s starting quarterback has not created much interest in looking backward.

“Sometimes you’ve got to step back and just see what a blessing it is,” Milivojevic said. “God has given me a blessing, the opportunity to be a quarterback at this program.”

There is gratitude in the way Milivojevic talks about the opportunity, but little satisfaction.

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