Alessio Milivojevic knew Michigan State is the place for him — now he is ready to lead

He will still need to earn it ahead of Michigan State's regular season opener against Toledo on Sept. 5, but Alessio Milivojevic enters spring football practices as the No. 1 quarterback for the Spartans, and he is ready to lead his team as the starter.

MSU opened spring football on Tuesday with the first of 15 practices in March and April, which culminates in the "Spring Showcase" on April 18. The Spartans got right into acton bright and early with a 6:30 a.m. start to practice.

For Milivojevic, he is right where he wants to be at Michigan State, and he is looking forward to progressing and working with his team and coaches throughout the spring.

"It's great," Milivojevic said about opening spring ball, shortly after the conclusion of practice. "It's playing football again. It's everything we want to do — getting back on the field, new teammates, new coaches — it's been awesome."

In 2025, Milivojevic played in nine games, including starting the final four contests of that season after taking the reins from former starter Aidan Chiles. He completed 111 out of his 173 passing attempts (64%) for 1,267 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions, while adding one rushing touchdown.

The experience Milivojevic gained as a redshirt freshman last season could pay dividends for him as he enters the 2026 campaign as the presumed full-time starter.

" I think it just gave me something to build off," Milivojevic said about his opportunities in 2025. "Starting those last four games gave me some confidence. And I think going into the offseason, it's all about building — building with new teammates, like I said, new coaches and just building on, something that you've already started."

As for Chiles, who transferred to Northwestern in the offseason, Milivojevic noted that the two remain close and still communicate frequently. Chiles will return to East Lansing on Oct. 17 when the Spartans host the Wildcats.

Regarding the 6:30 a.m. practices, Milivojevic admitted that it's the earliest he's ever practiced, but that he "kind of likes it." It is all about routine.

"You get up early and get it done, go to bed early and get a good dinner," Milivojevic said about the early-morning practices and schedule. "Once you get into the routine, I think it's going to be great for everyone ...  I think if you're not willing to get up early and come practice, then do you really love it?"

Following Tuesday's practice, which falls on St. Patrick's Day, Milivojevic's plan is to have brunch with the team and then head to a local elementary school to read to children.

Another thing that helps motivate the Spartans to give it their all when the sun is rising is newly-hired head coach Pat Fitzgerald and several assistant coaches who are bringing constant energy and enthusiasm.

"It's contagious," Milivojevic said about Fitzgerald's energy. "When you have your coach running around louder than pretty much everyone on the field, it's contagious and spreads to everyone. It's been awesome to feel that and I think guys are feeding off it."