Jason Batt is the new face of University of Kentucky athletics, and his reputation as a dynamic leader has been well-received by fans and former colleagues alike. Batt’s impressive track record in coaching and managing at Georgia Tech and Michigan State has earned him a spot on the radar for top collegiate programs.
A big fan of Homer Rice, who passed away last year, Batt has been praised by Rice’s widow, Karen Rice. “He is a great fundraiser…he knows all the things a successful AD should and knows how to run an athletics program,” she said.
Jason Batt comes from a long line of accomplished coaches with experience in seven schools since 2005. His tenure at Georgia Tech was one for the books, bringing a national championship team and nine consecutive NCAA appearances.
While some might say he’s not too old for the job, Batt has proven himself to be young and energetic, according to Karen Rice. “He is more motivated than most and I know coming back to the SEC will just motivate him even more to do everything he can for Kentucky.”
Another Kentucky basketball player to watch out for is redshirt freshman wing Braydon Hawthorne. Sporting News columnist Mike DeCourcy says don’t sleep on Hawthorne, who was a top 35 prospect in his recruiting class.
Justin Burke returns to Lexington as the tight ends coach for Will Stein, and is excited about the return of the Air Raid offense, which dominated Kentucky’s football team during Hal Mumme’s tenure. “The game atmosphere was amazing,” Burke said.
Freshman point guard Mason Williams praises Ousmane N’Diaye, a 7-foot-tall Senegalese player who has impressed teammates in summer workouts with his shooting skills and unselfish play. Pope offers high praise to James Madison transfer Justin McBride, saying he can see “shades” of Julius Randle in the young player.
With Batt at the helm, UK fans are excited to see what the future holds for their beloved Wildcats. As Batt said himself, ‘he is just different.’
Source: https://state-journal.com/2026/06/30/j-batt-has-personality-drive-to-be-perfect-uk-fit