From the Desk of J Batt

Spartans,

It’s Homecoming at Michigan State, and although it’s early in the week, there’s a palpable energy growing across campus. I expect that to build throughout the week, culminating in Saturday’s football game vs. UCLA. After three straight home games to open the season, it feels as if it’s been too long since the entire Michigan State community came together to cheer on the Green and White in Spartan Stadium. When toe meets leather this Saturday, it will be nearly a month in between home football games.

Although the stadium has been quiet, success has found a home across Michigan State athletics over the last several weeks:

Men’s soccer recorded back-to-back victories over Top 5 opponents for the first time in program history with a win over No. 3 Indiana and a road victory at No. 5 Michigan.
Just last Friday, 4,861 fans filled DeMartin Stadium for the men’s soccer game against Penn State, marking the second-largest crowd in stadium history.
Women’s soccer remains undefeated in Big Ten play, and just a couple points out of first place in the conference standings.
Volleyball recorded a perfect non-conference record at 10-0, opening the season with its best start since 2012. First year head coach Kristen Kelsay recorded her first Big Ten win with a 3-0 sweep of Michigan.

And there’s many more bright spots ahead in the near future, especially as our winter sports get underway:

With both the men’s (#16) and women’s (#24) cross country teams ranked nationally, Michigan State will host the Big Ten Championships on Oct. 31.
Two-time defending Big Ten regular-season and tournament champion Spartan hockey is ranked No. 2 nationally, and will host New Hampshire to open the 2025-26 season on Thursday.
Last Friday was an amazing evening with Michigan State Madness and the Izzone Campout. There’s nothing like it anywhere in the country! It was a great night of celebrating our men’s and women’s basketball programs.
Looking ahead to the season, it’s shaping up to be arguably the best home schedule in Michigan State men’s basketball history. With home non-conference games against Arkansas (Nov. 8) and Duke (Dec. 6) in addition to 10 Big Ten contests, Michigan State will host 12 power conference opponents for the first time in the Tom Izzo Era.

While the future is certainly bright, my immediate focus is on the week ahead.

In addition to the anticipation for Saturday’s game, I am excited to take part in my first Michigan State Homecoming Parade. I can’t wait to welcome people back to campus, to the place we all call home. As I’ve said before, the bond between Spartans and their alma mater is uniquely strong. I noticed that passion and connection in my first days on the job, and I’m continually impressed by the loyalty I witness. I believe it’s what separates Michigan State from many of our peers.

We have another great opportunity this Saturday – a chance to put our unity and passion on display in support of our football program. A victory would cap the first half of the season with a 4-2 mark. But in order to maximize our chances, we must all continue to pull in the same direction. We’re undefeated at Spartan Stadium this season, in no small part because of the enthusiastic support we’ve received from our fans and students. We need that same energy on display come Saturday. It’s our first noon kickoff since 2023, which I recognize is warmly welcomed by many of you. We need everyone to get there early and help our team get off to a fast start. I can’t think of a better Homecoming celebration than Spartans from all eras rallying together to support our team, from the opening kickoff, all the way through to the final whistle.

Have a great Homecoming Week!

Go Green!

J Batt
Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Athletics

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