Kentucky has announced the hiring of Michigan State Director of Athletics Jason ‘J’ Batt to a six-year deal to serve as the university’s athletic director and the CEO of Champions Blue LLC.
According to a press release by UK President Eli Capilouto, Batt has spent 20 years in collegiate athletics, holding roles in athletics fundraising, development and administration. He has become known as a record-breaking fundraiser and leader who maximizes resources and revenue, invests in facilities and sets student-athletes up for success in life after sports.
“Our continued success will take everyone in the Big Blue Nation, working together to provide resources to our teams and our student athletes that position them for success,” Batt said in a news release by UK spokesperson Jay Blanton. “With that standard as our North Star, Kentucky Athletics and Champions Blue are well positioned to deliver results in the changing landscape that is college athletics today.”
At Georgia Tech, Batt set a record with $78.2 million contributed to the athletic department’s fundraising arm, breaking the previous record by over 40%.
Batt also hired Brent Key as the Yellow Jackets head football coach on Nov. 29, 2022. Key has turned Georgia Tech’s football program around with three consecutive bowl appearances after three straight three-win seasons before his arrival.
At Michigan State, Batt assisted in the creation of Spartan Ventures. A non-profit, tax-exempt, corporation designed to maximize revenue generating opportunities and support NIL opportunities for student athletes, according to a press release from the university.
Batt also secured a $401 million donation for Michigan State in his one year as athletic director.
“He has remained focused on ensuring student-athletes compete for championships while being prepared for lives of meaning and purpose,” Capilouto wrote.
Before taking over at Georgia Tech, Batt served as executive deputy director of athletics, chief operating officer and chief revenue officer at the University of Alabama from 2017-22. He oversaw the launch of Alabama athletics Crimson Standard, a 10-year $600 million initiative designed to elevate the student-athlete experience, recruiting and game-day experiences for fans, according to the press release.
Batt also served as the sport administrator for Alabama men’s basketball, working with head coach Nate Oats at the start of his tenure. Under Oats, Alabama has made the NCAA Tournament in six consecutive seasons after just two appearances in the 14 years prior.
He also held fundraising, and fundraising adjacent roles at previous stops. Batt worked in athletic department fundraising at William and Mary from 2005-07. From 2007-09, he served as director of major gifts for athletics at James Madison University.
From 2009-13, Batt worked as the executive director of the Terrapin Club at the University of Maryland, the official booster and fundraising organization at Maryland.
His career in athletic administration began at East Carolina University, where Batt served as the associate athletic director from 2013-17.
His history and experience in athletic fundraising and development explains why Batt will also serve as CEO of Champions Blue LLC.
Batt was hired as Michigan State University’s AD on June 2, 2025. His departure follows MSU President, Kevin Guskiewicz, departing to become the president at Clemson University. This triggered a clause in Batt’s contract that cut his $5 million contract buyout to $2.5 million, making a departure easier.
Kentucky has not released contract information for Batt.
Mitch Barnhart’s 24-year tenure as Kentucky’s athletic director will end on June 30, at which point Batt will take over.
“Batt will officially join UK later this summer. He indicated he will spend the next several weeks talking and listening with UK leaders, UK Athletics staff, donors and other stakeholders as he prepares to take the helm,” Blanton said.
Batt has also worked as a national leader in collegiate athletics, serving on the House Settlement Implementation Committee and as chair of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Batt graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and mass communications, as well as a master’s degree in sports administration. He was also a member of the Tarheel’s 2001 national championship soccer team.
“Despite this period of ongoing change, we remain in the opportunity business — creating opportunities for our student-athletes to compete and win championships, earn degrees and prepare for life after sport,” Batt said. “We are excited to work with an outstanding staff and coaches on behalf of a university to deliver for the Big Blue Nation and to serve this special community that represents the entire Commonwealth.”