Reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Jess Oakland transferring to Duke
The biggest name to enter the transfer portal during the winter window has found her new home. Jess Oakland, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, is transferring to Duke, the school announced on Friday.
Oakland, who played her first two seasons at Minnesota, will have to sit out the 2025 season but still has two years of eligibility remaining. The Softball America All-American led the Big Ten in batting average (.455), doubles (19), home runs (20) and finished second with 58 RBIs. She was also named to the Big ten All-Defensive Team for her efforts at shortstop.
Duke has plans to make it back to Oklahoma City in 2025, but the Blue Devils project to only graduate three players from their current roster. Duke could be rolling out a lineup with Oakland, Aminah Vega and D’Auna Jennings in 2026.
