· 2026-06-15 · On3

The Kentucky Wildcats are in the final stages of their search for a new athletic director, with Michigan State's J Batt emerging as the leading candidate. This decision comes as Kentucky aims to strengthen its athletic administration, particularly in the competitive SEC environment. J Batt, who has a wealth of experience in power conference athletics, previously served as the deputy athletic director at Alabama, where he worked under Greg Byrne, a former Kentucky administrator. Batt's extensive background includes significant roles at various institutions, including Georgia Tech and East Carolina. His brief tenure at Michigan State involved overseeing key hires, including a football coach. The Wildcats are looking for a seasoned leader to guide their athletic programs, and Batt's return to the SEC could signal a new era for Kentucky athletics. As the Wildcats prepare for this potential transition, fans are eager to see how Batt's leadership could impact the future of the Kentucky Wildcats.