In one of the most unexpected and headline-grabbing moves of the college softball offseason, Texas Tech has pulled off a monumental coup, landing powerhouse catcher Jasmyn Burns in a shocking transfer from Ohio State. Burns, widely regarded as one of the top backstops in the country, made her decision public late Friday night in a social media post that immediately went viral and sent shockwaves throughout the softball world.
The move not only redefines the trajectory of Texas Tech’s program but also signals a seismic shift in the Big 12 power structure. Burns, who was coming off a breakout season with the Buckeyes, was expected to be the face of the Ohio State program for the foreseeable future. Instead, she will now bring her elite defensive prowess, powerful bat, and commanding presence to Lubbock, where the Red Raiders are quietly building one of the most dangerous rosters in the nation.
Burns’ decision comes as a surprise not just because of her productivity at Ohio State, but because of her deep-rooted ties to the program. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, she grew up dreaming of wearing the scarlet and gray. Last season, she started every game behind the plate for the Buckeyes, earned All-Big Ten honors, and posted staggering numbers: a .392 batting average, 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a .687 slugging percentage. But more than her offensive production, it was her leadership, game-calling, and defensive acumen that made her such a vital cog in the Buckeyes’ lineup.
Multiple sources close to the situation suggest that NIL opportunities, combined with Texas Tech’s renewed commitment to investing in its softball program, were significant factors in Burns’ decision. While she has not confirmed the financial terms of her deal, insiders indicate it’s among the most lucrative NIL agreements in college softball history for a non-pitcher. In a sport where pitchers typically command the lion’s share of the spotlight and resources, Burns is breaking barriers not only on the field but in how catchers are valued across the collegiate landscape.
The news left Ohio State fans stunned, with social media erupting into a mix of disbelief, gratitude, and heartbreak. Buckeye head coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly released a brief but classy statement on Saturday morning, thanking Burns for her contributions and wishing her well in her future. “Jasmyn gave everything to this program, and we are incredibly proud of what she accomplished here. While we’re disappointed to see her go, we respect her decision and know she’ll continue to shine wherever she plays.”
Meanwhile, the reaction in Lubbock has been nothing short of euphoric. For a program that has often played in the shadows of its more celebrated conference peers like Oklahoma and Texas, this acquisition signals that the Red Raiders are no longer content with simply being competitive—they want to contend for championships. Burns brings instant credibility and star power to a roster that already features rising sophomore pitcher Kaylee Jensen and slugging infielder Tori Alvarez. With Burns now in the fold, Texas Tech’s lineup becomes one of the most potent in the Big 12 and potentially one of the most dangerous in the nation.
First-year Texas Tech head coach Miranda Lopez, who was hired in January and has quickly made a name for herself as one of the most aggressive recruiters in the sport, called Burns’ arrival a “program-defining moment.” In an exclusive interview Saturday morning, Lopez praised the catcher’s maturity, versatility, and championship mindset. “Jasmyn is the type of athlete who makes everyone around her better,” Lopez said. “She controls the game behind the plate, leads with both fire and intelligence, and competes with a level of grit that’s rare. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to Red Raider Nation.”
Burns’ transfer also speaks to a broader shift in college softball, where players are increasingly willing to move across the country in search of the best fit, exposure, and opportunities—both athletic and financial. Her decision mirrors the trend seen in men’s and women’s basketball and football, where elite players are no longer confined by geography or loyalty to their initial school. For a sport that has historically lagged in terms of visibility and compensation, Burns’ headline-making move is a testament to the power of NIL to alter destinies and redefine career trajectories.
For Texas Tech, the implications go beyond just one season. Burns’ presence will have a ripple effect in recruiting, team culture, and national perception. Catchers of her caliber don’t just manage the game—they shape entire identities of a team. With her behind the plate, expect Tech’s pitching staff to improve significantly, both in terms of performance and confidence. Her offensive production will give opposing coaches nightmares and force strategic adjustments every game.
Beyond the stat sheet, Burns is widely respected for her leadership and character. Former teammates have praised her for staying late after practice to work with younger players, for holding teammates accountable, and for always maintaining a positive yet competitive demeanor. “She’s the real deal,” said one former Ohio State teammate. “Losing her is a gut punch for us, but I have no doubt she’s going to change the game at Texas Tech.”
Her work ethic is legendary. Coaches say she’s the first in the gym and the last to leave, constantly studying film, fine-tuning her mechanics, and mentoring younger teammates. Her high softball IQ has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s all-time greats, and she’s considered a lock for future national team consideration. Several professional scouts have noted that if the NCAA had an early entry rule for softball, Burns would have already gone pro.
This move also raises eyebrows in the national title conversation. With Burns anchoring the defense and commanding the lineup, Texas Tech now becomes a dark-horse contender in the Women’s College World Series race. It’s a bold leap for a program that hasn’t traditionally been a fixture in Oklahoma City, but all the signs point to a team on the rise—and Burns could be the tipping point.
Burns, who plans to major in sports media at Texas Tech, expressed her excitement in a heartfelt message to her new fanbase. “This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” she wrote. “Ohio State gave me a home, and I’ll always be grateful for my time there. But after talking with Coach Lopez and seeing the vision she has for this team, I knew it was time for a new challenge. I’m ready to get to work and bring something special to Lubbock.”
The impact of her decision will reverberate far beyond the field. She’s now positioned as a trailblazer—not just for transferring at the peak of her game, but for shattering assumptions about which programs can land elite talent. For years, schools like Oklahoma, Alabama, UCLA, and Florida have dominated the softball narrative. With the arrival of Burns, Texas Tech is making it clear they plan to be next.
If anything, this moment serves as a wake-up call to traditional powers that the college softball landscape is changing fast. Programs with vision, resources, and the right leadership can now compete for talent at the highest level, even if they haven’t historically been top-tier destinations. Burns’ decision could open the floodgates for other elite players to reconsider where they want to make their mark.
As the dust settles from this record-breaking bombshell, one thing is clear: Jasmyn Burns has just reshaped the map of college softball. And for Texas Tech, the message is simple—buckle up, because this program is just getting started.
