Best Opportunities for MSU QB Milivojeic to Play

Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic will see the field in sparing opportunities this upcoming season.

Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) at a practice with pads Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Robert Killips/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Michigan State Spartans have their quarterback for at least this upcoming season. 

Junior Aidan Chiles is ready to lead the program after a rocky 2024 campaign. The coaching staff made an effort to surround him with better talent and help him feel more comfortable heading into the 2025 season. 

While Chiles is an excellent quarterback, he would certainly like to pass off duties to one of his backups if the team is blowing out its opponent. Alessio Milivojevic, who joined the Spartans in the same offseason as Chiles, has separated himself as the clear-cut No. 2 QB. 

Which games would give Milivojevic the best chance to see the field? Let’s break down the likeliest scenarios in which he could earn meaningful snaps. 

Western Michigan - Aug. 29 

Michigan State wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) scores a touchdown against Western Michigan during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Spartans have a chance to blow the Broncos off the field in their first game of the 2025 season. 

WMU loses several key players from last year’s team, including quarterback Hayden Wolff, cornerback Bilhal Kone and defensive end Corey Walker. 

MSU is a heavy favorite over WMU entering that game, so the Spartan starters should take care of business, allowing the backups to see the field in the fourth quarter. That should lead to Milivojevic earning some passing attempts. 

Youngstown State - Sept. 13

Sep 11, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball as Youngstown State Penguins defensive back Troy Jakubec (2) looks to tackle during the first half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images | Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

The annual drubbing of an FCS school is always enjoyable for Spartan fans. 

The Penguins earn a large chunk of money for coming to Spartan Stadium to get blown out, while the Spartans get a free win on the schedule. The starters should not play long in this game, allowing the reserves to see snaps early in the year. 

That should let Milivojevic earn a majority of snaps in the fourth quarter. Maybe he throws his first collegiate touchdown pass. 

Maryland - Nov. 29 

Sep 7, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; *Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Nick Marsh (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

If all goes right for MSU this season, this game should not matter for bowl eligibility. 

Several key Terrapins have departed last year’s solid squad, so the team may take a hit in the win-loss department. The Spartans may see a depleted Maryland team by the end of the season. 

If MSU has the victory in hand and a postseason appearance secured, Jonathan Smith may feel comfortable letting Milivojevic play in front of a Ford Field crowd. That would be an excellent way to cap off a turnaround season.

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