Former LSU softball left-handed pitcher Jayden Heavener has committed to two-time national runner-up Texas Tech, according to her social media post on X.
Heavener, who played two seasons at LSU, was considered the top pitcher in the transfer portal and is one of eight Tigers planning to transfer. Utility player Maddox McKee is the only other Tiger committed to a new school, opting for Texas A&M with one season of eligibility.
Heavener’s post featured little text other than the word “committed” with a heart emoji and three images of her wearing a black Texas Tech uniform.
A prized recruit in the 2025 LSU signing class, Heavener compiled a 26-14 record with a 2.78 ERA in two seasons. She struck out 280 batters in 259 innings but struggled with control in both seasons. She walked 155 batters, hit 51 and threw 37 wild pitches.
Texas Tech made waves two years ago by signing Stanford pitcher NiJaree Canady to a $1 million NIL deal. Canady helped the Red Raiders to consecutive WCWS championship-round finishes, where they lost to Texas both times.
Other LSU players in the portal but uncommitted thus far are first baseman Tori Edwards, outfielders Destiny Harris and Jaydn Laneaux, sophomore catcher Jada Phillips, freshman infielder Gradie Appling and freshman pitcher Lauren Soeken.
Edwards, a sophomore with two years of eligibility, is another portal prize. She was SEC Freshman of the Year in 2025, with a .383 batting average, 18 homers and 73 RBIs. Her numbers dropped to .284, 12 and 45 last season.
McKee started 54 games at third base and in the outfield her first two seasons but only eight last season. She had a .260 career batting average with one homer and 30 RBIs.
Laneaux, a junior, missed the 2026 season with an injury but started 52 games in left field the season before and batted .313. Harris, a sophomore, batted .295 with 17 starts last season. Phillips had seven career starts in two seasons with a .182 average.
Appling played in eight games without a start and had three hits in four at-bats. Soeken did not play in 2026 but earned a redshirt and will have four seasons of eligibility.
