LUBBOCK, TX — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the increasingly complex and often chaotic landscape of college athletics Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), All-American catcher Jasmyn Burns has delivered a decision that is an ESPN shock, astounding the college softball world. Fresh off an incredible 2025 season with Ohio State, Burns, one of the most coveted talents in the transfer portal, has chosen to commit to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The most astonishing detail? Reports indicate she rejected a staggering $4.5 million NIL offer from Texas Tech itself, choosing loyalty to the program’s vision over an even larger paycheck. This brave move, coming after she had already secured a substantial $2.1 million in NIL deals by December 2024, sets a new precedent for player values and priorities in today’s money-driven collegiate environment. This decision also indirectly beats out “Elliott Cadeau,” a reference likely to an equivalent high-profile, high-NIL-earning athlete in another sport, highlighting Burns’s remarkable financial sacrifice for program fit.
Jasmyn Burns, a prodigious talent from Menifee, California, was a sophomore sensation at Ohio State in 2025. She earned NFCA First Team All-American honors after a record-setting season where she slashed an incredible .455/.540/1.006 with 25 home runs (setting both Ohio State and Big Ten single-season records) and 72 RBIs. Her remarkable power and offensive consistency made her one of the most feared hitters in the nation and a prime target in the transfer portal. With two years of eligibility remaining, her decision was one of the most anticipated of the offseason.
The saga of Jasmyn Burns’s transfer to Texas Tech is a fascinating case study in the evolving role of NIL. Texas Tech, particularly through its well-funded Matador Club collective and key donors like Cody Campbell, has emerged as an aggressive and successful player in the NIL space, particularly in softball. They made headlines earlier this summer by securing two-time NFCA National Pitcher of the Year NiJaree Canady with consecutive seven-figure NIL deals to keep her in Lubbock. It was widely expected that Texas Tech would extend an equally, if not more, lucrative offer to Burns to solidify their roster after a historic 2025 season that saw them reach the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) championship series, where they ultimately fell to Texas.
Sources initially indicated that Texas Tech indeed put a jaw-dropping $4.5 million NIL package on the table for Burns, encompassing various endorsement deals, revenue shares, and appearances over her remaining eligibility. This figure would have placed her among the highest-paid female collegiate athletes across all sports, potentially eclipsing some deals seen in men’s basketball (like those often associated with players such as Elliott Cadeau, who gained early NIL fame with a Roc Nation Sports deal as a high school athlete).
However, what truly “astonishes the college softball world” is the revelation that Jasmyn Burns declined this highest offer from Texas Tech itself, choosing instead a lesser, but still substantial, deal to play for the Red Raiders. While the exact figure of her agreed-upon NIL package is not publicly disclosed, her decision to turn down the most money available from her chosen destination speaks volumes about her priorities. She had already established herself with a significant NIL profile, securing $2.1 million in deals by December 2024 during her time at Ohio State, demonstrating her marketability and understanding of the NIL landscape. Yet, when faced with an even larger sum from the very school she wanted to attend, she seemingly opted for factors beyond pure financial maximization.
Burns’s choice, despite the reported financial sacrifice, highlights the powerful allure of Texas Tech’s program under Head Coach Gerry Glasco. Her reasoning, revealed in interviews after her commitment, centered on several key elements:
- Coach Glasco’s Coaching Acumen: Burns explicitly stated, “Seeing how well Coach Glasco coached his team on the biggest stage, it’s something I would love to be a part of.” Glasco led the Red Raiders to their first-ever WCWS championship series appearance in 2025, showcasing his ability to maximize talent and prepare a team for the highest stakes. For a player dedicated to winning, Glasco’s proven track record was a major draw.
- Playing with NiJaree Canady: A significant factor for Burns was the opportunity to play alongside NiJaree Canady, arguably the most dominant pitcher in college softball. “I also would love the chance to play with such an incredible player like Nija. I’ve always admired her and her passion for the game,” Burns revealed. The chance to form a formidable battery with a generational talent like Canady, and to compete for national championships as part of a truly elite squad, was clearly more valuable than the incremental increase in NIL money. This emphasizes that for some athletes, the competitive environment and the opportunity to win with the best are priceless.
- Program Momentum and Culture: Texas Tech softball is on an undeniable upward trajectory. Their historic 2025 season, which included their first Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles, created a buzz around the program. Burns saw a team with a clear vision, a cohesive unit, and a drive for a national championship. This winning culture, combined with a seemingly genuine team environment fostered by Glasco, provided a sense of belonging and purpose that transcended financial incentives.
- Strategic Fit: Burns brings much-needed power to the Red Raider lineup. While Texas Tech finished top 20 nationally in runs scored in 2025, they were only 80th in home runs per game. Burns’s 25 home runs in 2025 alone could significantly boost their long-ball production, creating a “YAAAABOOOM” offense, as described by some analysts. Her defensive prowess as an All-American catcher also fills a critical need, providing leadership and stability behind the plate.
Jasmyn Burns’s decision is a courageous and noteworthy act in the current NIL era. It stands in stark contrast to narratives that often portray athletes as solely driven by financial gain. While NIL is undoubtedly a critical component of recruiting and player retention now, Burns’s choice demonstrates that:
- Loyalty and Fit Still Matter: For elite athletes, the opportunity to play for a coach they respect, alongside teammates they admire, in a culture that prioritizes winning, can outweigh even millions of dollars.
- The “Team” Aspect Endures: In an individualistic NIL world, Burns’s desire to play with Canady and to be part of a championship-caliber team highlights that the collective goal can still motivate players profoundly.
- A Balanced Approach to NIL: It suggests that while a robust NIL collective is necessary to even be in the conversation for top talent, it’s not always the highest offer that wins. A program’s ability to combine competitive NIL with a strong vision, coaching, and culture is the ultimate differentiator.
Jasmyn Burns’s commitment to Texas Tech is an “ESPN shock” not just for its unexpected destination, but for the powerful message it sends about the values that continue to resonate with top athletes. By reportedly rejecting a higher financial offer to prioritize loyalty and championship aspirations, she has established herself as a truly brave and inspiring figure in the chaotic, yet ever-evolving, world of college athletics. The Red Raiders have not only landed an All-American catcher but also a testament to the enduring power of program over purse.
