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● LIVE Updated 18d ago · 25 sources tracked

Matt Jones goes 1-on-1 with J Batt, Kentucky's new AD

J Batt, former Michigan State athletic director, has officially joined the University of Kentucky as its new athletics director, replacing Mitch Barnhart. His first public comments emphasize local ties and program stability, while Michigan State faces ongoing leadership uncertainty. Batt’s buyout from MSU was recently reduced to $2.5 million, and former MSU AD Mark Hollis has expressed interest in returning if asked. Tom Izzo criticized the MSU leadership shakeup as ‘disgusting,’ and Kentucky’s hiring marks a shift in Big Blue Nation’s athletic direction.

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What changed

This update includes Batt’s first direct quotes, details on his buyout reduction, and new reactions from MSU stakeholders, including Hollis’ potential return interest.

Live updates

  1. Kentucky hires J Batt as AD: ‘This is where our boys will graduate’

    J Batt, former Michigan State athletic director, has officially joined the University of Kentucky as its new athletics director, replacing Mitch Barnhart. His first public comments emphasize local ties and program stability, while Michigan State faces ongoing leadership uncertainty. Batt’s buyout from MSU was recently reduced to $2.5 million, and former MSU AD Mark Hollis has expressed interest in returning if asked. Tom Izzo criticized the MSU leadership shakeup as ‘disgusting,’ and Kentucky’s hiring marks a shift in Big Blue Nation’s athletic direction.

    What's confirmed:

    • J Batt has been officially named the University of Kentucky’s new athletic director, replacing Mitch Barnhart.
    • Batt stated in his first public comments that Kentucky is ‘where our boys will graduate high school,’ framing his decision as a commitment to local development.
    • Michigan State’s athletic director buyout for Batt was recently reduced from $5 million to $2.5 million.
    • Mark Hollis, former Michigan State AD, told the AP he remains interested in returning to MSU if asked, following Kentucky’s hiring of Batt.
    • Tom Izzo called the Michigan State leadership turmoil ‘kind of disgusting’ after the departures of the president and athletic director.
    • Kentucky’s hiring of Batt follows a period of instability at Michigan State, where multiple top leadership roles have turned over.
    • Batt’s first name is intentionally abbreviated to one letter, a personal preference he has maintained throughout his career.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Michigan State is reportedly considering an internal candidate to fill the vacant AD role, though no name has been confirmed.
    • Sources suggest Batt’s decision to leave MSU was influenced by a lack of alignment with the university’s new leadership direction.
    • Unconfirmed reports indicate Batt’s contract with Kentucky includes performance-based bonuses tied to program revenue growth.
    confidence 95%