Michigan State Names J Batt New Athletic Director, Prioritizes Football Success

Michigan State University has hired J Batt as its new athletic director, marking the first time in 30 years the school has appointed an AD without previous MSU ties. Batt, who previously led Georgia Tech's athletic department, is tasked with revitalizing Michigan State's athletics, with a strong emphasis on elevating the football program, which he sees as fundamental to the overall success and revenue generation of the department. He has committed to providing football coach Jonathan Smith with the necessary resources to rebuild the program, which has struggled in recent years and failed to secure a bowl game since 2021. Batt confidently described Michigan State as a top-10 athletic department in the country and highlighted his focus on fundraising, including NIL opportunities, to support all sports. His arrival is expected to bring renewed energy, modernization, and financial growth to the department, with support from legendary basketball coach Tom Izzo and a clear vision of football as the revenue driver. The university’s Board of Trustees will vote on Batt's hiring, with his official start date set for June 16.