MSU Recruiting Faces Minor Setback
On the latest episode of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast, Aidan Champion discusses Michigan State’s recent struggles on the recruiting trail.
After a successful recruiting month in June, the Spartans have hit a bit of a roadblock. Recently, Michigan State missed out on several top prospects, including three-star defensive lineman Nehemiah Kolone, who committed to BYU. Over the weekend, they also lost four-star linebacker Tyson Harley to Penn State and interior offensive lineman Adrian Hamilton to Virginia Tech.
Despite these setbacks, the Spartans remain in a strong position, with 22 commits for the class of 2026. However, adding a few more high-caliber players wouldn’t hurt.
Aidan Champion dives deeper into these recruiting misses in the latest episode of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast. You can watch the episode below.
J Batt’s Introductory Press Conference: Key Takeaways
Michigan State’s new athletic director, J Batt, recently answered questions at his introductory press conference. Here’s a recap of some key moments:
Q: What’s it like to lead Michigan State during such a transformative time?
Batt: “It’s an incredible privilege. This place is special, thanks to our exceptional coaches and student-athletes. Joining the Spartan family is an exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Q: How do you plan to elevate MSU’s role within the Big Ten?
Batt: “It starts with the work we do on campus. We have outstanding teams, coaches, and student-athletes. Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti is a tremendous leader, and we’ll continue to work hard every day to build on that.”
Q: How important is it for you to learn Michigan State’s story and spread it?
Batt: “It’s vital. My first priority is to listen and learn from those around me. College athletics is evolving, and that change brings opportunity. Our job is to capitalize on that and highlight what makes Michigan State unique.”
Q: What’s the role of non-revenue sports in the future of college athletics?
Batt: “Non-revenue sports will always be important. While revenue sports drive a lot of success, success across all areas is crucial. We’re committed to achieving that across the board.”
Q: Did you speak to Nick Saban about Michigan State, and what did he say?
Batt: “Coach Saban has always spoken highly of East Lansing, our fanbase, and Michigan State as a whole. His positive perspective made my decision easy.”
Q: How much change do you think Michigan State needs, and how fast can it happen?
Batt: “There will be a lot to dive into, and we’ll figure it out as we go. Change is inevitable, and it requires new approaches and resources, but we’re ready to meet those challenges.”
Q: Is NIL a priority for this administration?
Batt: “Absolutely. We’ll be competitive in the NIL space and provide the resources our coaches need to succeed at the championship level. As NIL continues to evolve, we’ll adapt our approach to stay ahead.”
Q: How will you support football coach Jonathan Smith?
Batt: “I’ve had several conversations with Coach Smith, and at the end of the day, it comes down to providing the resources he and his staff need to be successful. We’re committed to supporting them every step of the way.”
Q: What qualities do you look for in people you oversee?
Batt: “Integrity is key. We want competitors who are committed to winning, but doing so the right way. Fit is also important—ensuring the right people are in the right places at the right time.”
Q: What are your goals for cultivating alignment within the athletic department?
Batt: “Alignment is crucial. Change is an opportunity, and when the entire organization is aligned—coaches, fans, donors, leadership—we can achieve great things. The passion and drive from everyone involved are incredibly powerful.”
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