Red Raiders Add Firepower with Four Standout Transfers Following WCWS Breakthrough
Red Raiders are Reloading
In today’s world of college athletics, staying near the top takes more than just talent development. The transfer portal is now essential. After their historic Women’s College World Series run, Texas Tech is capitalizing on momentum and adding serious firepower to an already talented roster.
The Red Raiders have brought in four high-level transfers, including three who committed today. Lubbock is quickly becoming one of the premier softball destinations in the country, and head coach Gerry Glasco is building a roster that looks ready to challenge for a return trip to OKC. With this mix of returners and newcomers, Texas Tech is emerging as an early title contender alongside the reigning champions, the Texas Longhorns.
Let’s take a quick look at the new additions.
Jazzy Burns Brings the Boom
Burns got the party started by committing to the Red Raiders on June 7, just one day after the WCWS Finals wrapped. The sophomore from Menifee, California, started in 109 games for Ohio State over the past two seasons. In 2024, she was one of just three Buckeyes to start all 51 games, and she leveled up even more in 2025.
This season, Burns slashed an eye-popping .455/.540/1.006. She racked up 75 hits, 25 home runs, and 72 RBIs, while scoring 51 runs and adding 14 doubles. Her OPS? A ridiculous 1.546. Burns immediately becomes one of the most dangerous bats in the Big 12.
Kaitlyn Terry Adds Power to the Circle
Terry, transferring from UCLA, gives Texas Tech a legitimate tandem in the rotation. In 73 career appearances, Terry has posted a 41-8 record with a 2.50 ERA and 333 strikeouts in 330.1 innings.
She was lights out in big moments too. In a Super Regional-clinching win over South Carolina, she threw 5.2 shutout innings, giving up just two hits. That kind of command and composure will make the Red Raiders’ pitching staff one of the most intimidating in the country, as NiJaree Canady is already there, ready to go again.
Mia Williams Has Only Just Begun
Williams comes over from Florida after a breakout sophomore year. She hit .335 with 61 hits, 52 runs, 19 home runs, and 44 RBIs in 2025. In two seasons with the Gators, Williams appeared in 130 games, starting 124 of them.
The biggest leap came in her slugging percentage, from .345 as a freshman to .714 in 2025. If she continues on that trajectory, 2026 could be her true breakout season.
Jackie Lis Might Be the Steal of the Class
Don’t overlook Lis, the junior infielder from Southern Illinois. She hit .353 with 11 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 58 hits in 53 games this past season. A three-time All-Missouri Valley First Team selection, Lis was named MVC MVP in 2024 and won Player of the Week honors three times in 2025.
Her consistency, leadership, and production make her a plug-and-play asset for Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders Are Just Getting Started
Something tells me Texas Tech might not be done in the portal. Even if they are, this group already positions them as one of the most complete teams heading into next season. The anticipation and excitement for next season are already brewing, and from now until the start of the 2026 season, you better believe that Texas Tech will be the topic of softball enthusiasts’ conversation.
Games still have to be played, but on paper, the Red Raiders look dangerous, hungry, and ready for another run to Oklahoma City. I will go on record saying they will be part of the final eight next season.
FEATURED IMAGE COURTESY OF: TEXAS TECH ATHLETICS
