๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐พ๐๐๐: ๐๐๐ญ๐๐จ ๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ง ๐ ๐๐จ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฃ ๐ฝ๐ช๐ง๐ฃ๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฉ๐จ $4.5๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐๐๐กโ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฎ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ช๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐๐๐
LUBBOCK, TEXAS โ In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college softball world and redefined the meaning of loyalty in the NIL era, Texas Techโs All-American catcher Jasmyn Burns has turned down a staggering $4.5 million NIL offer to succeed Elliott Cadeau as the face of Texas Tech Athleticsโopting instead to honor a previously signed $2.1 million deal from December and remain true to the Red Raiders.
Burns, widely considered one of the most dominant defensive catchers and clutch hitters in NCAA softball history, made headlines Monday morning after confirming she declined the offer, which wouldโve made her one of the highest-paid female collegiate athletes in the nation.
> โThis isnโt just about money,โ Burns told ESPN. โItโs about legacy. Itโs about loyalty. Itโs about finishing what I started with the people who believed in me first.โ
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๐ฅ The Face of a Program
Burns, a junior from Mesquite, Texas, has been the heartbeat of Texas Tech Softball since her breakout freshman season. Last year, she hit .412 with 22 home runs, 68 RBIs, and threw out 70% of would-be base stealersโearning her unanimous All-American honors and solidifying her place as a top WPF and Olympic prospect.
Known for her leadership and magnetic personality, sheโs also been a massive draw for Red Raider Nation. Her jersey outsold every other Tech athleteโmale or femaleโin 2024, and her endorsement presence exploded following her Gatorade โPlay Like a Girlโ campaign last fall.
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๐ฐ The NIL Era Gets a Wake-Up Call
With NIL money surging across all sports, Burnsโs decision is rareโand arguably revolutionary.
The $4.5M offer reportedly included a multi-year brand ambassador contract, a stake in a new Lubbock-based energy drink startup, and front-facing representation in the universityโs post-Cadeau athletics strategy. Sources confirm that five national brands were prepared to match or exceed the offer if she entered the transfer portal.
Instead, Burns doubled down on her December NIL commitment, whichโwhile sizableโpales in comparison to the newer offer.
> โShe just reminded everyone that culture still matters,โ said Tech softball coach Melissa Sandoval. โJasmyn didnโt just say โyesโ to a numberโshe said โyesโ to her team, her school, and her legacy.โ
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๐ Whatโs Next for Burns?
With a rising senior season ahead, Burns is locked in on one thing: bringing a national championship to Texas Tech. The Red Raiders enter the 2025-2026 season ranked #6 in the nation, and Burns is a top candidate for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year.
Off the field, Burns continues to grow her profile as a philanthropist and role model, recently launching the โCatcherโs Foundationโ to support young girls in underserved communities who aspire to play competitive softball.
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๐ช๏ธ Final Thought
In a college sports world often dominated by one-and-done moves, big-dollar transfers, and ever-shifting allegiances, Jasmyn Burnsโs bold stand for loyalty is a breath of fresh air.
She didnโt chase the biggest check.
She didnโt follow the hype.
She stayed home.
And in doing so, she may have just changed the game.
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๐ฃ๏ธ Red Raider fans, rejoice: your catcher isnโt just calling pitchesโsheโs setting the standard.
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Written by: Danielle Parks | ESPN Senior Softball Correspondent
Photo Credit: Texas Tech Athletics / @JasBurnsOfficial
