In the ever-changing landscape of college basketball, where transfer portals have transformed the way programs are built and rebuilt, a new chapter is being written not by a player crossing state lines, but by one choosing to stay home. After spending the past seasons wearing orange and white, a familiar face from the Lady Vols roster has announced that while she’s transferring, she’s not going far. In fact, she’s not leaving the state at all.
In a move that’s as much about legacy as it is about opportunity, senior guard Jasmine Franklin has made the decision to transfer from the University of Tennessee to Middle Tennessee State University for her final year of eligibility. It’s a decision that speaks volumes about her priorities—growth, leadership, and staying connected to her roots.
Franklin, who arrived in Knoxville with high expectations and a reputation as one of the most versatile guards in the country, had a career marked by flashes of brilliance and stretches of resilience. A highly touted recruit out of high school, Franklin had options all over the country. But when the Lady Vols called, the allure of playing for a storied program under the bright lights of Thompson-Boling Arena was too strong to pass up.
Her time at Tennessee, however, wasn’t always smooth sailing. Between injuries, a coaching transition, and the increasing competition for playing time in a roster stacked with blue-chip talent, Franklin’s role fluctuated from season to season. Still, she carved out a reputation as a dependable two-way player—tenacious on defense, smart with the ball, and capable of stepping up in clutch moments.
“I’ve loved every moment I had at Tennessee,” Franklin said in a statement posted to her social media accounts. “Wearing that jersey meant everything to me. It still does. But I’m at a point in my career where I need a fresh start, a chance to lead, to grow even more, and to be on the court making a difference every single night.”
Franklin enters MTSU’s program at a time when the Blue Raiders are poised to make a serious push in Conference USA. Under head coach Rick Insell, the program has quietly become one of the most consistent mid-major contenders in the country. Adding Franklin to the mix is expected to bolster an already talented roster, and her experience at the highest levels of SEC competition could be the missing piece that pushes MTSU deeper into the NCAA Tournament.
For Franklin, the move isn’t about stepping down in competition—it’s about stepping up in impact. While at Tennessee, she was often a role player, tasked with providing key minutes off the bench, defending the opponent’s top scorer, or igniting the offense with her energy. At MTSU, the opportunity exists for her to be a focal point—to lead the offense, dictate the pace, and guide younger players through the rigors of a long season.
The decision to stay in-state was not lost on fans and analysts alike. Tennessee’s rich basketball culture, particularly on the women’s side, has always created strong bonds among players and programs across the Volunteer State. Franklin’s choice reflects both loyalty to her home state and a desire to continue building upon the foundation laid by legends before her.
“I didn’t want to leave Tennessee,” Franklin said. “This state has given me so much. The fans, the people, the community—they’ve been behind me since day one. MTSU gives me a chance to stay close to home and still chase my dreams at a high level. That means everything.”
Indeed, Franklin’s arrival at MTSU has sparked a wave of excitement among the program’s faithful. With her defensive instincts, floor vision, and ability to create off the dribble, she brings an edge that few players in Conference USA can match. But beyond the stat sheet, what Franklin brings most is a winning mentality—something forged during her time with one of the most decorated programs in college basketball history.
Insell, who has coached his fair share of high-profile transfers over the years, expressed immediate enthusiasm upon Franklin’s commitment. “Jasmine is a game-changer,” Insell said. “She’s someone who understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. We’re thrilled to have her, and we know she’s going to elevate everyone around her.”
The move also sheds light on a growing trend in women’s college basketball: players prioritizing fit and impact over fame and flash. In a sport that continues to evolve, more athletes are choosing programs where they can lead, grow, and maximize their time on the court. For Franklin, it’s not about transferring to a Power Five school or chasing national headlines—it’s about doing what’s right for her game and her future.
Franklin’s journey is also one of perseverance. After suffering a knee injury during her sophomore season, there were questions about whether she could return to form. But she fought through rehab, stayed committed to her team, and emerged stronger—not just physically, but mentally. That toughness will serve her well at MTSU, where she’ll be expected to shoulder more responsibility and serve as a mentor for younger players.
For the Lady Vols, losing Franklin is bittersweet. Her presence in the locker room, her work ethic, and her experience were valuable assets, and she leaves with the respect and admiration of her teammates and coaches. Yet there’s also a shared understanding that this move is part of her journey—one that Tennessee helped shape but won’t restrict.
“She gave us everything she had,” one former teammate said. “And now she gets to go shine somewhere else. That’s the game. That’s life. We’re rooting for her.”
As she prepares for her final season, Franklin is embracing the dual role of competitor and leader. With WNBA aspirations still very much alive, she knows this year is critical—not just for what she does, but for how she does it. Her time at Tennessee taught her about pressure, preparation, and perseverance. At MTSU, she’ll put those lessons to the test.
The Blue Raiders will look to her not only for points and assists, but for presence. In close games, it will be Franklin who has been there before, who knows what it feels like to play in front of 20,000 people, who has stood toe-to-toe with the nation’s best. That poise will be invaluable.
Off the court, Franklin’s impact is already being felt. She’s been active in local community programs, showing up at youth basketball clinics and speaking with young girls about chasing their dreams. Her message is simple but powerful: You don’t have to go far to go far.
That ethos is reflective of her entire career. Whether wearing the orange of Tennessee or the blue of MTSU, Franklin’s heart has always been in the right place. Her story is one of staying true to who you are, even as the world around you shifts and changes. And as she laces up her sneakers for one last college ride, she’s doing it on her own terms—in a place that feels like home.
If there’s a poetic symmetry to Franklin’s journey, it’s that her final year will still be played under Tennessee skies. She’ll still be cheered by fans who’ve followed her career from the beginning. She’ll still represent the same values—grit, humility, passion—that have always defined her. And if things go the way she plans, she’ll finish this chapter not just as a former Lady Vol, but as a Tennessee legend in her own right.