Battle played in 13 games and made four starts as a freshman in 2019. He had 30 tackles, one interception and one sack.[4][5] Battle returned his sophomore year in 2020 as a starter.[6][7] Battle was ejected from the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship game for targeting.
He started the 2023 season as the second strong safety on the depth chart behind Nick Scott.[11] Prior to the Bengals Week 12 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bengals' defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo declared Battle the starting strong safety over Scott for the remainder of the season due to his stronger tackling abilities.[12] He finished his first start with eight tackles. The following week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Battle recorded his first career sack.[13] During the Bengals' final game of the season in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns, Battle recorded his first career interception as well as his second career sack.[14] Battle completed his first season with 71 total tackles and five pass deflections, and was named to the PFF and PPWA All-Rookie teams.[15]
In 2024, during Week 15's road victory against the Tennessee Titans, Battle recorded his first career fumble recovery, and returned the football 60 yards for what initially looked like his first touchdown. However, Battle inadvertently dropped the ball inches before crossing the goal line, sending the ball flying out the end zone for what was ultimately ruled a touchback.[16][17]