Michigan State's Milivojevic Deserves More Respect at Quarterback
Milivojevic started four games last season, throwing for nearly 1,000 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Despite that performance, national analysts rank him among the lowest Power Four quarterbacks. The author argues he is being underrated and should generate more excitement.
Milivojevic's four starts last season produced roughly 1,000 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and only two interceptions, yet his 1-3 record in those games likely masks a stronger performance than the win-loss column suggests. He took over from Aidan Chiles, who transferred to Michigan State from Oregon State with considerable hype despite lacking starting experience at the college level.
National rankings have been unkind, with Sports Illustrated placing him 62nd among 68 Power Four starters and CBS ranking him near the bottom of the Big Ten. New offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan brings a track record of developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, including Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Michael Penix, which could help Milivojevic exceed expectations this fall.
This story could influence how fans and recruits evaluate Michigan State's program trajectory, as quarterback perception often shapes a team's national profile and recruiting appeal. If Milivojevic outperforms his low preseason rankings, it may validate the coaching staff's decision-making and generate renewed enthusiasm among the fan base. Conversely, underwhelming results could reinforce skepticism about the program's direction. The broader impact may extend to how media rankings are weighted, particularly whether early-career statistics deserve more consideration than pedigree or recruiting reputation when projecting quarterback success.