ESPN CONFIRMED: Michigan State Announces J Batt as Athletic Director with ‘Impressive Record’
In a move that has stirred both excitement and optimism across Spartan Nation, Michigan State University has officially appointed J Batt as its new athletic director. The decision, confirmed by ESPN, follows an extensive national search and reflects the university’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening its athletic department amid a period of transition and growing competition in collegiate sports.
J Batt, who previously served as the athletic director at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), brings a reputation for innovation, integrity, and strategic leadership. His tenure at UAB was marked by notable success both on and off the field, including increased fundraising, infrastructure improvements, and academic achievements among student-athletes. Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz described Batt’s record as “impressive and inspiring,” citing his ability to lead with vision while also maintaining a strong ethical compass.
“J Batt stood out among a field of highly qualified candidates,” Guskiewicz said in a statement. “His accomplishments in driving athletic success, ensuring academic excellence, and creating a culture of accountability align perfectly with our goals for Spartan Athletics. We are thrilled to welcome him to East Lansing.”
Batt replaces Alan Haller, who had served as the university’s athletic director since 2021. The transition comes at a pivotal time for the Spartans, who have faced recent challenges across several sports programs, including coaching changes, budget pressures, and heightened expectations in the Big Ten Conference. The university is also navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, including NIL (name, image, and likeness) regulations and the expanded College Football Playoff format.
In his introductory press conference, Batt emphasized his commitment to student-athletes, the university’s values, and community engagement.
“My goal is to build on Michigan State’s rich athletic tradition while positioning us for future success,” Batt said. “This is a special place, and I’m honored to be entrusted with this role. I believe in the power of sports to shape lives and communities, and I’m excited to get started.”
During his time at UAB, Batt was instrumental in launching major facility upgrades, including a new football operations center and enhanced training facilities for Olympic sports. Under his leadership, UAB teams achieved record levels of academic progress rates and saw steady improvements in competitive performance. He also prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and was known for cultivating a culture of respect and accountability.
His fundraising prowess was another key factor in his selection. At UAB, Batt helped secure millions in donations, leading to transformative investments in both athletics and academics. Michigan State officials hope his fundraising and development skills will help energize donors and bolster the athletic department’s financial outlook, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s lingering impact.
Student-athletes and coaches have expressed enthusiasm about the appointment. Tom Izzo, Michigan State’s legendary men’s basketball coach, welcomed Batt with open arms.
“I’ve heard great things about J Batt from colleagues around the country,” Izzo said. “This is a guy who understands what it takes to compete at the highest level, but he also understands the bigger picture—developing young people, building strong programs, and doing things the right way. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
For fans and alumni, Batt’s arrival marks a fresh chapter. The university has long prided itself on its strong sports legacy, with national titles in basketball, football milestones, and a host of Olympic athletes among its ranks. Expectations are high for the new AD to uphold this legacy while addressing modern challenges head-on.
Looking ahead, Batt faces a busy agenda. Priorities include hiring key personnel, evaluating long-term strategic goals, and navigating the ongoing transformation of college athletics. With the Big Ten expanding and media rights revenue soaring, the pressure to compete—both financially and competitively—is at an all-time high.
Still, university leaders and supporters alike seem confident that J Batt is the right person for the job. With his leadership, experience, and commitment to excellence, Michigan State appears poised to chart a new and promising course for its athletic future.
As the green and white faithful await the next season with cautious optimism, the message from East Lansing is clear: a new era has begun.