WAY TO GO, ALESSIO! Milivojevic Turns Down $5M Texas Tech Offer to Cement Spartan Legacy
EAST LANSING, MI — In a defining moment for Michigan State football, rising quarterback Alessio Milivojevic has officially turned down a reported $5 million NIL offer from Texas Tech to remain with the Spartans, reinforcing his commitment to the program and the community that raised him.
The offer — one of the most aggressive transfer pursuits of the offseason — included lucrative endorsement opportunities and national branding potential. But Milivojevic made it clear: his roots, his goals, and his legacy belong in East Lansing.
> “I grew up with green and white,” Alessio said in a statement released Tuesday. “I love this club, and I love these fans. There was never any real thought of leaving. I want to finish what I started here and become one of the greats.”
Loyalty in a Changing Game
In an era where the college football landscape is being reshaped by NIL deals, transfer portals, and high-stakes recruiting, Milivojevic’s decision stands out as a rare act of loyalty. The 6’5” sophomore is coming off a standout freshman season in which he threw for over 3,000 yards and led the Spartans to a bowl appearance.
While many speculated he might explore other options after receiving national attention, he remained firm in his commitment to Michigan State.
> “It’s about more than football,” Milivojevic told Spartan Sports Network. “It’s about family, tradition, and finishing what I started. I want to leave this place better than I found it.”
A Cornerstone for Coach Smith
Head coach Jonathan Smith, now in his second season at the helm, celebrated the decision as a major win for the program’s culture and direction.
> “Alessio’s staying power speaks volumes,” Smith said. “He believes in what we’re building. He’s not just a special talent—he’s a special leader. This is the kind of quarterback who changes programs and defines eras.”
With Milivojevic back under center, Michigan State enters the 2025 season with real momentum and a leader who is quickly becoming the face of Spartan football’s next chapter.
Fans and Alumni React
The announcement drew an outpouring of support from Spartan fans, former players, and alumni.
“Alessio Milivojevic just made the biggest play of the season, and the season hasn’t even started yet,” one fan wrote on social media. Others praised his maturity and commitment to legacy over money, calling him a “true Spartan.”
Former Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook weighed in, saying, “That’s a guy I’d go to war with. MSU is in good hands.”
Eyes on the Future
With Milivojevic returning and a strong recruiting class incoming, the Spartans look poised to take a leap forward in the Big Ten. Team insiders say Alessio has already resumed offseason workouts and is leading captain meetings in preparation for summer camp.
> “I’ve got unfinished business here,” he said. “This team, this school — they gave me a shot. I’m going to give them everything I’ve got.”
Alessio Milivojevic didn’t just choose a school. He chose a legacy. And for Spartan fans everywhere, that’s worth more than $5 million.