ESPN: Georgia Tech AD, former ECU Pirate Club executive director headed to Michigan State

by | Jun 1, 2025

Georgia Tech Athletic Director J Batt is reportedly leaving to take the same position at Michigan State.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the news on his X account, saying, “Sources: Georgia Tech athletic director J Batt is expected to become the next athletic director at Michigan State. He’s emerged as the target, and a deal is expected to come together in the near future.”

USA Today reported late Sunday night that Batt would get a $1.8 million base salary annually. The Spartans will pay $2 million to buy out Batt’s contract at Georgia Tech. Batt is currently under a five-year deal at Georgia Tech, a contract he signed last December.

Batt became Georgia Tech’s 10th athletics director on Oct. 24, 2022. Before that, he was senior associate athletic director and executive director of the Pirate Club at East Carolina from 2013-2017.

He’s also served in roles at Maryland, Alabama, James Madison, William & Mary and North Carolina, where he played on the 2001 NCAA men’s soccer championship team.

According to Georgia Tech’s website, Batt “oversaw a development operation that increased total fundraising in 2016 by more than 60% over ECU’s previous best year.”

Photo credit: J Batt (AP photo)

Check out Pirate Radio

Website | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Top Headlines

Connor Norby to Yankees? Yardbarker believes it can happen

The New York Yankees traded for one of the Miami Marlins’ young prospects last season. Could they do it again? YardBarker’s Jacob Mountz reports the Yankees could find a way to trade for East Carolina alum and Marlins 3B Connor Norby. Last season, the Yankees got Jazz...

RJ Felton gets chance to attend Raptors’ workout ahead of draft

RJ Felton’s success at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament is opening more doors. He’s been invited to attend a workout with the Toronto Raptors, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Cody Taylor. He’s already had predraft workouts with the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns,...

SI: Keaton Mitchell shines during Ravens’ OTAs

The Baltimore Ravens held OTAs this past week. East Carolina football alum Keaton Mitchell looked like he’s ready for the upcoming season, according to Sports Illustrated. Baltimore Ravens reporter Ryan Mink listed 10 standouts from OTAs with Mitchell impressing and...

Pirates cruise to regional-opening win over Gators

The East Carolina baseball team made it look easy against Florida in the first round of their NCAA Conway Regional game. Buccaneer Scoreboard - Paint It! The Pirates go to Conway and skin the Gators! ECU Baseball advances to the winners bracket with an 11-6 win over...

PRL Friday: ECU baseball kicks off another busy weekend

The NCAA baseball tournament is well underway and "Pirate Radio Live" will have a breakdown of Friday's action. ECU and Florida squared off in Friday's first game of the Conway Regional. Host Coastal Carolina and Fairfield were scheduled to play in the second game....