A New Era, A New Leader: J Batt Ushers in Bold Vision as Michigan State’s New Athletic Director
EAST LANSING, MI — June 24, 2025
In a move that signals both ambition and transformation, Michigan State University has officially introduced J Batt as its new Athletic Director. The former Alabama and Georgia Tech administrator brings with him a reputation for innovation, fiscal growth, and athlete-centered leadership. But beyond the resume, there’s something deeper: a sense of purpose.
“This isn’t just a job,” Batt said during his introductory press conference at the Breslin Center. “This is personal. Michigan State represents more than competition—it represents grit, community, and the power of second chances. I’m here to honor that legacy and elevate it.”
Batt’s arrival marks a turning point for MSU athletics. Known for spearheading groundbreaking NIL strategies at Alabama and helping Georgia Tech modernize its athletic facilities, Batt is seen as a game-changer. His track record speaks volumes: During his tenure in Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s athletic department shattered fundraising records, enhanced student-athlete mental health programs, and launched a $110 million football facility upgrade. At Georgia Tech, he reimagined Olympic sports funding models and expanded alumni-athlete partnerships.
Now, with Big Ten realignment looming and a rapidly evolving college athletics landscape, Batt’s leadership could be pivotal.
Sources close to the hiring process say the MSU Board of Trustees and President Kevin Guskiewicz were drawn to Batt’s long-term vision. “He’s not just chasing wins,” one trustee said. “He’s building a sustainable, ethical, and elite culture.”
Batt wasted no time. In his first week, he convened closed-door meetings with every varsity head coach, launched an NIL task force, and unveiled early blueprints for a cutting-edge student-athlete development complex tentatively dubbed The Spartan Forge.
“This is about legacy,” Batt reiterated. “MSU deserves a seat at the head table of college athletics—not just in football or basketball, but across the board. That’s what we’re going to build. Together.”
A new era has begun in East Lansing—and with J Batt at the helm, Spartan fans are dreaming bigger than ever.
