J Batt departs Michigan State for Kentucky AD role, pursued other positions
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 2:17 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
J Batt has accepted the athletic director position at Kentucky, officially confirmed on June 16, 2026. His departure from Michigan State follows the earlier resignation of president Kevin Guskiewicz. Reports indicate that Batt had also sought AD roles at Virginia Tech, Purdue, and Wisconsin. Batt’s tenure at Michigan State lasted only one year, marking an unusual and rapid exit following leadership changes. The need for a new athletic director at Michigan State is now urgent.
- •Batt accepted the Kentucky AD role on June 16, 2026.
- •He pursued AD positions at Virginia Tech, Purdue, and Wisconsin.
- •His departure follows Michigan State president Guskiewicz's resignation.
- •Batt was hired by Michigan State last June.
- •The search for a new athletic director at Michigan State has begun.
- 2:17 PMYahoo Sports — Former MSU AD J Batt reportedly pursued other Big Ten, ACC positions
"If it wasn't Kentucky, it sounds like J Batt would have been leaving no matter what for another power four school
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