Georgia Tech Vice President and Director of Athletics J Batt has accepted a position with Michigan State University.

The schools confirmed on Monday that Batt will serve as vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics in Lansing.

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Georgia Tech says it will begin a national search for its next athletic director.

“J has made a remarkable impact in a short time,” said Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. “His vision and leadership elevated our athletics program — on the field, in the classroom, and across the national landscape. From fundraising and facilities to academic and competitive success, his legacy will be felt for years to come.”

This is a developing story. We’ll have the latest reaction on Channel 2 Action News.

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Michigan State football has added to the 2026 recruiting class, landing a massive priority target in the first weekend of official visit season.

Englewood (CO) native Braylon Hodge has made his commitment to Michigan State, cancelling his remaining official visits. The Spartans beat out Iowa, Minnesota and Utah for the 6-foot-3, 210 pound linebacker. He is a highly rated 3-star, ranking as an 88-rated player on 247Sports, and the No. 44 linebacker in America.

Hodge has been a rapidly rising prospect in the region, and he almost certainly will be someone that is going to see his stock continue to rise as he continue to show off his ability with his size. Getting him to commit is a massive win for the Spartans.

He is the first defensive commitment for Michigan State in the 2026 recruiting class, and comes at a massive position of need.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Cory_Linsner

More than 100 runners participated in the third annual Soles 4 Vets Memorial 5K at Granger Meadows Park in Lansing to support veterans across Michigan.

• More than 100 runners participated in the third annual Soles for Vets Memorial 5K at Granger Meadows Park in Lansing to support veterans across Michigan.
• The event raises funds for Footprints of Michigan, which provides free shoes to veterans, and the organizer, Geronimo Lerma, emphasized the growing impact and community support for the cause.
• Watch video below to learn more about how the “Sole Train” bus helps veterans in need and hear personal stories from participants, including a veteran who benefited from the program.

The event raises money for Footprints of Michigan, an organization that provides free shoes to veterans throughout the state.

WATCH VIDEO

Soles 4 Vets Memorial 5K raises funds for Michigan veterans’ footwear

Geronimo Lerma, executive director of Footprints of Michigan, highlighted the growing impact of the annual fundraiser.

“It’s a wonderful event that grows every year to see the people come out and support not just veterans, but the program itself. We travel all over the state of Michigan to help as many as we can yearly, so it helps out tremendously,” Lerma said.

The organization operates what they call the “Sole Train” bus, which travels across Michigan distributing shoes to veterans in need.

Roni Perkins, a veteran who participated in the race, shared how the program has personally benefited her.

“Every Veterans Day, I’m able to come in and pick up a pair of running shoes and then meet a lot of people in the community that are like me – veterans,” Perkins said.

Organizers hope to expand the event next year to assist even more veterans throughout Michigan.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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