Michigan State QB Alessio Milivojevic Emerges as Breakout Candidate for 2026

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The weather is finally turning—from cold and gray to sunny and warm. Football practices are underway and ramping up in East Lansing as the Spartans prepare for the upcoming season, one in which they hope to rebound in a big way after a disastrous 2025 campaign.

This team looks completely different than it did a year ago. More than 40 players have departed the green and white, replaced by over 20 transfer portal additions and a fresh recruiting class. There’s also a new head coach in Pat Fitzgerald, along with an almost entirely new coaching staff, save for a few holdovers. But through all the change, one thing remains the same: quarterback Alessio Milivojevic.

Milivojevic spent most of last season on the bench as then-head coach Jonathan Smith stuck with his primary transfer quarterback, Aidan Chiles. However, with four games remaining, Smith finally made the switch—partly due to injury, but also because the time had long since come. The leash on Chiles had stretched thin, and Milivojevic stepped in as the starter for the final stretch.

In those four games, the Spartans looked noticeably improved each week.

Despite a roster that struggled across the board, Milivojevic never played like someone discouraged by the situation around him. Week in and week out, he put his body on the line behind one of the nation’s weakest offensive lines. Still, the young quarterback remained composed in the pocket, delivering precise passes downfield.

He also showcased his ability to scramble—less by choice and more out of necessity—escaping collapsing protection and turning broken plays into positive gains. His mobility became a weekly highlight, and his poise while throwing on the run stood out. Milivojevic ultimately led Michigan State to its only Big Ten win of the season in the finale against Maryland.

That stretch didn’t just provide a single bright moment—it offered a glimpse into what Milivojevic could become. With a more competent roster and a team culture built around winning, his potential feels significantly higher than what last year’s record might suggest.

To understand just how difficult things were, look no further than the team’s overall mentality. Take Nick Marsh, for example, the Spartans’ leading receiver over the past two seasons. While undeniably talented, there were stretches where his effort appeared inconsistent, especially as the season wore on and losses piled up. Marsh eventually transferred this offseason to the reigning national champion Indiana Hoosiers, where he reportedly found himself in trouble on day one with head coach Curt Cignetti for wearing gold shoes to practice.

That kind of disconnect reflected a broader issue within last year’s locker room.

Now, under Fitzgerald, the expectation is different. The roster is filled with players who have bought into a shared goal: winning.

Milivojevic was one of the first Spartans to announce his return to East Lansing—something that stands out in today’s college football landscape, where loyalty can feel fleeting. In an era where players often move on at the first opportunity, his decision to stay signals belief in both the program and Fitzgerald’s vision.

And it’s not just local optimism driving the hype.

NCAAF Nation on X recently included Milivojevic on its “Breakout FBS QBs” list—and not buried at the bottom, either. While the list itself may not be ranked, his placement certainly suggests he’s on their radar in a big way.

In a post highlighting Milivojevic, NCAAF Nation wrote:

“● QB Spotlight ●

Alessio Milivojevic – Michigan St
Breakout Watch

• Milivojevic impressed me last season as a Freshman throwing for 1,267 yards, 10 touchdowns, completing 64.2% of his passes with just 3 INTs. He also added 1 rushing TD. I love the progression Milivojevic made last season and 2026 should be a big breakout season for him.”

It’s the same conclusion many Michigan State fans have already reached. Milivojevic has shown flashes of a quarterback ready to elevate his game—especially when surrounded by the right pieces.

With spring and summer ahead, the calendar is about to move fast. Before long, the Spartans will be suiting up for their season opener. And when they do, all eyes will be on Milivojevic as he takes the field with an opportunity to surprise people and redefine expectations for Michigan State football.

If his late-season performance was any indication, that breakout moment may be closer than it appears.

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