Texas Tech softball announced its arrival to the national stage in 2025, but this offseason, the Red Raiders have made a statement—and the rest of college softball is officially on notice.
Tech captured its first Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles in 2025 and came just one win short of earning the program’s first national championship. Now, Gerry Glasco and his staff are going to work in the transfer portal with one clear goal: win it all in 2026.
And with the roster they’ve assembled, that no longer feels like a long shot.
The headliner, of course, is the return of ace NiJaree Canady, the two-time NFCA National Pitcher of the Year and arguably the most dominant arm in the sport. After helping Tech reach the Women’s College World Series semifinals, Canady could’ve gone anywhere—or gone pro. Instead, she chose to run it back in Lubbock, locking in a reported seven-figure NIL deal to anchor one of the most talented rosters in the nation.
And then came the reinforcements.
Jasmyn Burns
Jasmyn Burns, a power-hitting catcher from Ohio State, joins the Red Raiders after one of the most explosive offensive seasons in the Big Ten. She slugged .455 with 25 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Buckeyes in 2025, bringing both thunder at the plate and leadership behind it. She’s the kind of player who can change a game with one swing—and she won’t be alone in the lineup.
Mia Williams
Mia Williams, an All-American second baseman from Florida, also arrives via the portal. A slick fielder with a 1.144 OPS and 19 home runs last season, Williams adds athleticism and SEC-tested experience to the infield. Tech also landed Jackie Lis, the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year from Southern Illinois, who hit over .400 in back-to-back seasons and gives Glasco even more flexibility with his batting order.
Jackie Lis
Jackie Lis, the Missouri Valley Conference MVP in 2025, brings a blend of power and experience at the plate that will further enhance what will already be a lineup chock-full of big bats. During her time with Southern Illinois, Lis became one of the best players in school history, ranking first in home runs (44), second in career batting average (.353), and fourth in runs scored (154).
Kaitlyn Terry
On the pitching side, Kaitlyn Terry transfers in from UCLA after two strong seasons in the Pac-12. A lefty with nasty movement and legit two-way potential, Terry logged over 300 strikeouts in two years and gives the Red Raiders a crucial second arm to pair with Canady—a luxury no other contender can quite match.
Simply put, this is the most talented roster Texas Tech has ever fielded. And the expectations have never been higher.
The challenge now becomes building chemistry among a group of stars, many of whom will be playing together for the first time. But with Glasco at the helm, Canady leading the charge, and a program culture now rooted in winning, there’s no reason to think Tech won’t be right back in Oklahoma City next June.
Only this time, they’re not chasing a Cinderella run. They’re chasing a championship.
For more on Big 12 softball and Texas Tech’s title push, stay locked in at Heartland College Sports.
