Michigan State University athletic director Jason Batt had quite the eventful 2025-26 season as his first campaign as the school’s head of athletics. The college football team, coached by Pat Fitzgerald, was unable to make that season’s college football playoff and did not participate in any postseason bowls. For coach Tom Izzo’s men’s basketball squad, Michigan State made it to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA tournament.
While there is potential for Batt to build on his first campaign with the team and reap more success, he has seemingly moved on to greener pastures. On Saturday, June 13, college football insider Pete Thamel reported on his X/Twitter that the Kentucky Wildcats are the likely suitor for Batt’s next home. The Kentucky-based program recently let go of athletic director Mark Stoops last December.
College football fans and spectators hail Batt for the what is considered to be a clever move, and welcome him to the Wildcats.
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“Sounds like a super genius, welcome home big blue Batt,” one fan said.
“Saw him on Bloomberg TV, really smart business mind,” another fan shared.
“This shakeup at MSU is wild like a bad transfer portal decision, but Kentucky getting their guy back is comedy gold for SEC fans,” another user explained.
“‘New chapters for everyone! Change brings opportunity. MSU will rebound, and Kentucky gets a star!’,” a user wrote.
Other users all over X/Twitter feel the other way and are glad that Batt is no longer part of the Spartans program.
“Good riddance. Guy’s worthless,” one fan claimed.
“Goodbye. That dolt hired Pat Fitzgerald,” another user pointed out.
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“Wasn’t even there long enough to use a picture of him in MSU gear,” a fan posted.
Batt’s deal to join the Wildcats is yet to be finalized, but Thamel notes that the pairing is more than likely to occur. The Spartans will now have to look for a replacement for Batt, as his leaving after one year comes as a surprise. Batt will now spearhead coach Will Stein’s Kentucky football team and coach Mark Pope’s men’s basketball squad in the 2026-27 campaign.
Along with losing its athletic director, Michigan State University is also looking for a new president
To add insult to injury, Jason Batt’s departure also comes as Michigan State University searches for its next school president. According to Pete Thamel in another post on X/Twitter, the school is going through a presidential transition phase, as MSU’s Kevin M. Guskiewicz accepted the same position at Clemson back in May.
“Batt’s potential departure comes in the wake of Michigan State’s recent presidential transition. He ‘s also been the AD at Georgia Tech. He brings a reputation as a prolific fundraiser from his time at Alabama, ECU and Maryland coming up the ranks,” Thamel wrote.
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