Kentucky has set its sights on Michigan State athletic director J. Batt, ESPN reports. The Wildcats aim to replace long‑time AD Mitch Barnhart, who resigned after 24 years, with a leader versed in fundraising and SEC operations. Batt’s résumé includes a stint as chief revenue officer at Alabama, where he helped launch a $600 million capital campaign.

Batt arrived in East Lansing last year after proving his fundraising chops at Georgia Tech, where he modernized donor programs and promoted Brent Key to head coach. At Michigan State he created Spartan Ventures, an independent revenue‑generation entity, and oversaw both football and basketball budgets. Kentucky’s push reflects its need to modernize an athletic department that has lagged in SEC football spending. SEC boosters.

While no contract has been signed, sources say Kentucky is in advanced talks to lure Batt back to the SEC. Should the move materialize, Kentucky would gain a proven fundraiser with SEC pedigree, potentially narrowing the financial gap with conference rivals. Michigan State now faces its fourth AD change since 2021, intensifying the program’s leadership instability and fan support.