Sometimes you just know exactly how things will end.
Softball on SI's Maren Angus-Coombs reported on Wednesday that former Oklahoma outfielder Kasidi Pickering, to the surprise of absolutely no one, is transferring to Texas Tech for her final season of college softball. This move was anticipated since even before it was actually known Pickering was transferring on June 8. According to Angus-Coombs, Pickering officially joined the Red Raiders on Monday as their third portal addition so far.
There were pictures shared on social media of Pickering visiting Texas A&M over the weekend, but even then, everyone knew she was still destined to be a Red Raider.
Texas Tech tampering finally pays off after swiping Kasidi Pickering from Oklahoma
Texas Tech has been trying to get Pickering on its roster since this time last year, when she wasn't even available for the taking. Softball on SI published an article last June that revealed how Texas Tech was taking advantage of an NIL loophole to recruit targets with massive paydays even before they entered the portal. The article specifically mentioned eight top players who were contacted during the 2025 season, including Pickering.
Pickering obviously returned to Oklahoma for the 2026 season, but it was evident the Red Raiders were about to get their way when just hours after the Sooners' season ended with a Super Regional upset, Pickering shared via Instagram a video of Tech celebrating punching its ticket to the Women's College World Series with the comment, "This is everything." She was then in the portal about two weeks later with a "do not contact" tag, showing she already had her mind made up.
Ultimately, though, Pickering won't be an irreplaceable loss for the Sooners and had somewhat already been replaced as she endured a slump during this past season. She still finished her junior campaign with a .370 batting average and a career-high 20 home runs after overcoming her struggles down the stretch.
Read more: Predicting Oklahoma's 2027 lineup with Kasidi Pickering no longer an option
She leaves Oklahoma with 182 starts and 186 games in three seasons on her resume. Her best season was as a sophomore in 2025, when was named NFCA First Team All-American and First Team All-SEC after hitting a career-high .392 with 18 home runs, 57 RBI, 58 runs and 14 doubles. She was also part of the Sooners' last national title team as a freshman starter in 2024.
Kai Minor and Ella Parker already had solidified spots in the lineup, but with Pickering out, that should open up opportunity for Payton Westra, the top player in the 2026 class, to get an immediate role as a starter.
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