Michigan State QB Alessio Milivojevic Wins Over the Room at Big Ten Media Day

Michigan State took over Big Ten Media Day Wednesday afternoon as head coach Pat Fitzgerald, along with three players, took time out of their day to speak with the media.

Of the three players attending, Nikai Martinez and Jordan Hall sat at roundtable sessions while members of the media gathered around to ask questions. The final player was starting quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who took the podium.

Milivojevic was full of life, wearing a constant smile that never seemed to fade. It was the kind of smile that looked like it should have made anyone's cheeks hurt, yet to him it appeared effortless. He looked genuinely ecstatic to be representing Michigan State at Big Ten Media Day.

He gave honest and bona fide answers that were the farthest thing from scripted public relations responses. Instead, he spoke openly about last year's performance, this year's team, and even his childhood playing hockey, lacrosse and football.

If you didn't know much about the Spartans' QB1 before he stepped to the podium, you could have almost learned enough to write a book on him during Media Day. He was an open book, welcomed every question, and delivered thoughtful responses throughout the afternoon.

Milivojevic grew up in Illinois and talked about how Pat Fitzgerald was a legend throughout the state. To now be playing football for him, he said, is a surreal moment.

The motto for Michigan State this season is toughness. Coach Fitzgerald has mentioned it time and time again, emphasizing the importance of restoring the program's toughness and energy. Milivojevic embraced that message, saying, "With him as my head coach I can show him just how tough I am."

He later expanded on the energy Fitzgerald has brought into the locker room.

"You can feel it when you walk in the building. These are guys that want to be here and love to be here, and overall you can feel that energy when you walk in."

When asked about earning the second-highest Pro Football Focus grade under pressure among the 18 projected Big Ten starting quarterbacks entering this season, Milivojevic credited the players in front of him.

"I think it's just trust. Trust in the O-line. Maybe if they're getting beat a little upfield, but I know if I step up they're gonna wash them away and it won't even be a problem. So just trusting my O-line and trusting they're going to be there for me, which I know they are, sitting in the pocket and letting it rip."

When speaking about his decision to remain at Michigan State after having the opportunity to enter the transfer portal, Milivojevic kept his answer simple.

"It's the place for me."

I was able to ask QB1 about two major additions to Michigan State's offense, Cam Edwards and Ben Murawski, who both transferred from UConn this offseason. Edwards is expected to bolster the running game, while Murawski is projected to anchor the offensive line at left tackle.

On what they'll bring to the Spartans, Milivojevic said:

"It's gonna be huge. They're both great dudes and leaders and both work their butts off every day. Ben is going to have to be a leader now. The offensive line is the concrete of the team and Ben will have to lead that group. And Cam we're gonna need to be a workhorse. So we're very excited to have those guys here with us."

When discussing teammates who have stood out during the offseason, Milivojevic made sure to mention incoming edge rusher Kenny Soares Jr.

He was also asked about Michigan State's tight end room, a group that many believe is looking for someone to emerge this fall.

"All those guys have been very good. I'm excited to see them continue to evolve in the offense through fall camp and get ready to play that first game."

A well-spoken and genuine individual, Alessio Milivojevic surely won over the hearts of any Spartan fan who was still a bit trepidatious about him. More importantly, he gave everyone in attendance a glimpse into who he is—not only as Michigan State's starting quarterback, but as a person.

Milivojevic now turns his attention toward leading the Spartans into the 2026 season.