**J Batt Leaves Georgia Tech for Michigan State in Surprise Move**

In a move that caught many by surprise, J Batt, Georgia Tech's athletic director, has accepted a new position at Michigan State. During Batt's 2½-year tenure, he earned a reputation as a rising star among Georgia Tech's donors, establishing strong relationships and boosting the institute's athletic profile. His departure, first reported by ESPN on Sunday and announced officially by Michigan State on Monday, was unexpected primarily because many thought his next step would be towards Alabama or North Carolina—places with which he has more obvious personal and professional ties.

Batt's connection to the Big Ten and the Midwest was not apparent, leading some in the college athletics community to express surprise. As one power-conference school athletic administrator told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "On the surface, it doesn't make sense—a Southern guy going to Michigan State." However, the decision may largely be influenced by the increasing resource dominance of the Big Ten and the SEC, positioning them as attractive destinations for rising administrators like Batt.

Financial incentives likely played a role in Batt's decision. ESPN reported that Batt will receive a significantly higher salary than his $979,000 annual earnings at Georgia Tech. Additionally, Michigan State's association with the Big Ten, which is seeing a growing gap in resources and influence over other conferences, likely offered a more promising future for Batt's ambitions. The Big Ten and SEC are expected to dominate the upcoming College Football Playoff revenue, reaping 58% of the $7.8 billion deal with ESPN starting in 2026.

Despite Georgia Tech's numerous strengths, including a successful football program under coach Brent Key, a record-breaking fundraising year in 2024, and a remarkable academic standing, the institution cannot match the financial muscle and prestige of a Big Ten school like Michigan State. This disparity helps to explain Batt's move, reflecting a broader trend in college athletics where roles at Georgia Tech are seen as stepping stones to more resource-rich programs.

Georgia Tech has experienced this before, with former athletic directors Dan Radakovich and Mike Bobinski leaving for Clemson and Purdue, respectively. As Georgia Tech now searches for a new athletic director, candidates will likely include deputy AD's from power conference schools and AD's from smaller conferences. Jon Palumbo, Batt's deputy, is expected to serve as the interim AD and will be in the running for the permanent position. The cycle may well continue, with successful new hires potentially being lured away by the ever-tempting allure of the Big Ten or SEC.