Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic is not expected to play against No. 9 UCLA on Saturday, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. With backup quarterback Cam Fancher also unavailable, true freshman Kayd Coffman is set to make his first career start for the Spartans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Milivojevic was listed as questionable on Michigan State's availability reports because of an undisclosed injury. The sophomore has started the team's previous 11 games, dating back to the final four contests of the 2025 season. Through seven games this year, he has completed 65.4% of his passes for 1,263 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing three interceptions. He has also scored a rushing touchdown.

Fancher has been unavailable for several weeks because of a leg injury, leaving the Spartans without their top two quarterbacks for the matchup. Coffman, who served as the second-string option during Michigan State's last two games versus Illinois and Northwestern, will now take over under center.

The freshman has limited collegiate experience, having appeared only once before Saturday. His lone appearance came against Wisconsin, when he recorded three rushing attempts for minus-one yard without attempting a pass.

Coffman was an exciting addition to the Spartans' 2026 recruiting class. He finished 274th nationally and ranked sixth among prospects in Michigan, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. The East Kentwood High School product committed to Michigan State early and remained with the program following its coaching change. He also displayed his throwing ability during the team's spring game in April.

The Spartans could rely on Coffman's dual-threat abilities opposite a Bruins defense that ranks among the best in the Big Ten. His playing style more closely resembles Fancher's, potentially opening the door for designed quarterback runs.

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The availability of running back Jaziun Patterson and left tackle Ben Murawski also remains uncertain. Both players were listed as questionable alongside Milivojevic on the team's three midweek availability reports. Their status could affect the options available to Coffman in his first start.

Michigan State will also be without linebacker and captain Jordan Hall, who is set to miss his fourth game of the season. Cornerbacks Tre Bell, Tyran Chappell and Charles Brantley, along with wide receiver Charles Taplin, are listed as out.

The Spartans enter the contest with a 2-5 overall record and an 0-4 mark in Big Ten play. UCLA, meanwhile, is undefeated at 6-0, including a 4-0 conference record. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.