AP NEWS REPORT
Michigan State’s J Batt Declares Athletic Department Among Nation’s Top 10
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — In a bold declaration that reflects both ambition and confidence, Michigan State University’s Athletic Director J Batt stated that the Spartans are operating one of the top 10 athletic departments in all of college sports. As the university continues to invest heavily in athletics infrastructure, student-athlete welfare, and competitive excellence, Batt’s statement underscores a broader effort to elevate Michigan State’s national profile across every major NCAA sport.
“I believe — and the results show — that Michigan State is now firmly among the top ten athletic departments in the country,” Batt said during a media availability on Monday. “Our student-athletes are thriving academically and athletically, our facilities are elite, and our culture is one of relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Athletic Renaissance Under Batt’s Leadership
J Batt, who took over as MSU’s athletic director in 2022, has steered the program through a critical period marked by transition, growth, and recovery. Known for his strategic vision and emphasis on integrity, Batt’s leadership has been characterized by ambitious hires, improved NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) support, and strong investment in mental health and academic resources for student-athletes.
In the past two years alone, Michigan State has witnessed notable improvement in its athletic performance across multiple sports. The football team has bounced back into bowl eligibility discussions, men’s and women’s basketball remain perennial NCAA tournament contenders, and Olympic sports like soccer, hockey, and track & field have shown measurable progress.
“Our vision is comprehensive,” Batt emphasized. “It’s not just about wins and losses. It’s about developing complete student-athletes, engaging our fan base, and upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship and equity.”
Massive Investment in Facilities and Support Programs
One of the most visible signs of Michigan State’s rise is the ongoing construction and enhancement of athletic facilities. A $120 million football performance center is nearing completion, designed to rival any in the Big Ten. Other sports are also benefiting: renovations to Breslin Center, new training facilities for Olympic sports, and expanded nutrition and wellness spaces are either underway or recently completed.
“These investments aren’t just for show — they reflect our commitment to giving our student-athletes the very best tools to succeed,” Batt noted. “We are competing with the best in recruiting, preparation, and performance.”
The Spartans are also setting a new standard in NIL support. With the launch of the “Green & White Collective,” Michigan State is offering robust assistance to student-athletes to capitalize on name, image, and likeness opportunities. The collective, backed by university supporters and local businesses, has helped MSU retain top talent and attract marquee recruits in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Academic Excellence and Community Impact
While athletic results are crucial, Batt made it clear that academic and community achievements are equally important. In the 2023–24 academic year, Michigan State student-athletes posted an all-time high graduation success rate (GSR) of 92% and a cumulative GPA above 3.2 across all teams.
“Our student-athletes are doing extraordinary things in the classroom,” said Batt. “This is a testament to the dedication of our academic support staff and the values we promote as a department.”
Michigan State teams have also contributed over 6,000 hours of community service in the past year, from food drives and youth coaching clinics to social justice initiatives and environmental sustainability projects.
Recognition and Future Goals
Outside experts are taking notice. In recent NCAA surveys, Michigan State’s athletic department ranked in the upper quartile for student-athlete satisfaction, facility quality, and financial health. Analysts from Forbes and USA Today have also placed MSU among the nation’s most valuable college athletic brands.
Looking ahead, Batt outlined plans to continue expanding Michigan State’s influence nationally. He hopes to secure additional national championships, strengthen relationships with alumni and donors, and push for leadership roles in Big Ten and NCAA governance bodies.
“Our future is incredibly bright,” he said. “The progress we’ve made is real, and we’re not stopping here. We want to be the gold standard — not just in the Big Ten, but in all of college athletics.”
Final Thoughts
In a collegiate sports landscape that’s more competitive than ever — and in an era marked by conference realignment, NIL transformations, and increased scrutiny on institutional accountability — Michigan State’s ability to climb into the top echelon of programs is noteworthy. Under J Batt’s stewardship, the Spartans appear to be aligning every aspect of their athletic operation with a singular mission: to be among the very best, both on and off the field.
“We’re proud of our history,” Batt concluded, “but we’re even more excited about the future. Michigan State is rising — and we’re not looking back.”