Folks, the good news just keeps rolling in. Michigan State hired Pat Fitzgerald earlier this week, the introductory press conference was a success, and early signing day went over fairly well.
Fitzgerald is trying to keep as much talent as he can, but there’s one player atop everyone’s list after a strong finish to his redshirt freshman season: Alessio Milivojevic.
The second-year quarterback took over for Aidan Chiles in the final month of the regular season, and while he only recorded one win as the starting quarterback, he improved the offense drastically. It looked like Chiles just wasn’t the same after that early-October Nebraska loss, and Jonathan Smith opted to make a change under center. Alessio was a revelation.
The Naperville, Ill., native’s dad didn’t agree with the Smith firing, and he was vocal about that on X, but everyone was worried about what Alessio thought.
If Tuesday’s development was any indication, it seems like Milivojevic is pretty happy with the hiring of Fitzgerald. While no decision has been made yet, the former three-star quarterback and current QB1 in East Lansing was present of Fitzgerald’s introductory presser, and USA Today captured an image of him speaking with J Batt and his new coach before the media session began. You can see that picture above.
There was also talk of Milivojevic being in the room during the intro press conference, and that may not mean that his mind is made up, but it shows that he’s at least willing to listen.
In my opinion, this is a massive development for the future of Michigan State.
The Spartan quarterback ended the season as the Big Ten’s freshman of the week after he passed for 292 yards and four touchdowns against Maryland. His lone pick in the game was a controversial no-call in the secondary that probably could have been pass interference, but he was solid all game long, wrapping up the season on a high note. He finished 2025 with 1,267 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three picks with a 64 percent completion rate.
Michigan State could use a guy like Milivojevic to lead a young quarterback like Kayd Coffman for a couple of years before he inevitably takes over.
My gut after seeing this interaction says he’s coming back.