When Pat Fitzgerald took the job to be Michigan State’s next head coach, there was a slight concern that the Spartans may lose not only their QB2 but also their QB1.
Aidan Chiles was likely transferring no matter what with Jonathan Smith being fired but Alessio Milivojevic — his replacement — had a big decision to make.
Would Milivojevic follow the footsteps of quarterbacks like Chiles, Katin Houser, Noah Kim, Payton Thorne, and Sam Leavitt and transfer out with coaching uncertainty looming? Fortunately, it didn’t take much for him to buy into what Fitzgerald is selling.
Fitzgerald actually raved about the sophomore quarterback’s leadership and the fact that he immediately embraced his new coach, represented the program, and helped the new staff recruit the transfer portal. He spoke to the Big Ten Network about how his QB1 has been helpful in every facet of recruiting and leadership.
"He went to every portal visit; he was at every meal." @MSU_Football HC Pat Fitzgerald on QB Alessio Milivojevic embracing his leadership role 👇#B1GToday pic.twitter.com/bPV4kVmM1Y
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 20, 2026
We’re going to hear from both Fitzgerald and Milivojevic about the new roles that each have been playing in East Lansing since the former was hired at Big Ten Media Days. I’m willing to bet that we get some really good candid quotes from both next week.
I’m excited for the first year of the two together. I think this will be a really good coach-player relationship.
Alessio Milivojevic showed flashes in 2025
I was firmly on the Chiles bandwagon to start the 2025 season and I think most Spartan fans believed after that electric win over Boston College. Unfortunately, it went downhill from there, and I think it really started with an injury against Nebraska which wasn’t checked during the game.
When things got worse, I was more than OK with the staff turning to Milivojevic to see what he had, and he impressed with 1,267 yards and 10 touchdowns over a handful of starts to finish the season.
Taking over as a freshman, it’s hard to really command respect, but it looks like Milivojevic is assuming more of a leadership role in 2026. He’s attending every meal, he’s helping recruit every portal player, he’s doing the little things.
Don’t be surprised when he makes a huge leap as Fitzgerald’s QB1 in 2026.
Add us as a preferred source on Google