Congratulations are in order for Texas Tech as the Red Raiders have added a major piece to their softball roster through the transfer portal—none other than All-American catcher Jasmyn Burns. In a move that has already sent ripples through the college softball world, Burns’ commitment to Texas Tech is not just a win for the program, but a powerful statement about where the Red Raiders are headed under their current leadership. As one of the most coveted players in the nation, ranked prominently in the end-of-season Top 100 player rankings, Burns brings not just star power, but elite-level production, leadership, and the kind of firepower that can shift the fortunes of a team overnight.
Burns’ decision to enter the portal was one of the most talked-about storylines of the offseason. After a dominant year in which she earned All-American honors and rose to national prominence, speculation mounted about where she might take her talents next. Her ability to both command the game behind the plate and terrorize opposing pitchers with her bat made her one of the top prospects in the portal. Programs across the country expressed interest, and for good reason. She wasn’t just another name on a list—she was the name. Ranked in the Top 10 of the national player rankings, her presence signaled immediate impact and potentially program-altering results. Texas Tech moved swiftly and confidently, and now they have their prize.
For Texas Tech, this isn’t just about adding a name—it’s about injecting a winning pedigree into the heart of their lineup. Burns brings with her a wealth of experience from playing at the highest level, as well as the mentality of a leader who has already competed against elite-level competition in high-pressure situations. She’s caught some of the best pitchers in the country, thrown out base stealers with machine-like precision, and called games with a maturity far beyond her years. Burns is more than a catcher—she’s the kind of player that makes every other player on the field better simply by being there.
Her 2025 numbers tell the story. Batting .406 with 19 home runs and 61 RBIs, Burns was a nightmare for opposing pitchers. But it wasn’t just the counting stats that impressed. Her on-base percentage of .510 and slugging percentage over .800 ranked among the highest in the nation. She consistently delivered in clutch situations and demonstrated elite plate discipline with more walks than strikeouts over the season. Burns didn’t just hit well—she hit with purpose. Her ability to work the count, adjust to different styles of pitching, and deliver in high-leverage moments made her one of the toughest outs in the sport.
Behind the plate, she was just as dominant. A field general with a rocket arm, Burns threw out 56% of would-be base stealers and picked off runners with alarming accuracy. She displayed advanced game-calling instincts and an ability to manage the emotional tempo of the game. Coaches rave about her ability to connect with her pitchers and lead the defense. One former coach said, “Having Jasmyn behind the plate is like having an assistant coach on the field. She’s vocal, she’s intuitive, and she knows how to lead.”
Now, all of that is coming to Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders have steadily been building toward becoming a force in the Big 12, and Burns’ arrival accelerates that process tenfold. Her decision to commit to Texas Tech speaks volumes about the direction of the program. It reflects confidence in the coaching staff, belief in the team’s trajectory, and the appeal of being the cornerstone player in a program on the rise. There were no shortage of suitors for a player of Burns’ caliber, but Texas Tech offered something that resonated: a platform to lead, to shine, and to win.
What makes this move even more exciting for Texas Tech fans is the timing. The Big 12 is entering a new era of competition, and the addition of powerhouse programs into the fold has elevated the stakes for every team. With Texas and Oklahoma departing and new challengers emerging, the conference is in flux—creating opportunities for programs like Texas Tech to ascend the ranks. In that environment, adding an All-American talent like Burns isn’t just beneficial—it’s strategic. She becomes an anchor for the team both offensively and defensively, a veteran presence in the locker room, and a player who can help usher in a new standard of excellence.
Off the field, Burns brings a personality that fans will quickly embrace. Known for her competitive edge, work ethic, and approachable nature, she embodies the kind of player every program wants representing their brand. She’s already garnered significant media attention throughout her career, and her move to Texas Tech is sure to make her one of the most watched players in the nation in 2026. From NIL opportunities to national exposure, Burns is stepping into a role that will allow her to continue building her brand while also helping her team contend on the field.
The impact of this addition isn’t limited to one season, either. Burns’ presence will have ripple effects throughout the program. Young players will benefit from her leadership, future recruits will be drawn to the momentum building in Lubbock, and opposing coaches will have to game-plan around a player capable of taking over a game in every phase. She represents both a short-term boost and a long-term investment in the Red Raiders’ rise.
Coaches at Texas Tech have expressed nothing but enthusiasm and admiration for Burns since her announcement. “This is a program-changing moment,” one staff member said. “Jasmyn is the kind of player you build a team around. She’s not only incredibly talented, but she also brings the kind of championship mindset that we want here. We’re beyond thrilled to welcome her to the Red Raider family.”
Recruiting through the portal has become a central strategy in modern college softball, and Texas Tech’s acquisition of Burns is a masterclass in how to do it right. They identified a need, recognized an opportunity, and closed on one of the biggest names available. With this move, they haven’t just made a roster upgrade—they’ve made a statement to the rest of the college softball world: Texas Tech is serious about contending.
Fans of the program have every reason to be excited. Burns will bring highlight-reel moments, clutch hits, and the kind of leadership that energizes a dugout. Her jersey will be one of the most popular in Lubbock, her name a fixture in national headlines, and her presence a major reason why Texas Tech games will draw bigger crowds and more attention. There’s a new reason to believe in this team, and her name is Jasmyn Burns.
As preseason expectations start to take shape for the 2026 season, you can be sure that Texas Tech will be viewed in a new light. Analysts will recalibrate their rankings, opponents will circle the Red Raiders on their calendars, and fans will count down the days until they can see Burns suit up in scarlet and black. The Red Raiders have just added one of the best players in the country—and the impact will be immediate.
In a sport where the right addition can change everything, Texas Tech may have just made the most important move of the offseason. Congratulations are indeed in order—for the coaches who made it happen, for the fans who now get to witness greatness, and most of all for Jasmyn Burns, who now has a new home, a new chapter, and a new opportunity to leave her mark. The journey continues in Lubbock, and the future has never looked brighter for Texas Tech softball.
