June 13, 2025

Ryan Wideman Transfers to Clemson After Stellar Season

News Summary

Ryan Wideman, an outfielder from Western Kentucky University, has earned All-American honors for the second consecutive year and will transfer to Clemson University. Wideman, who showcased an impressive season leading Conference USA in several batting categories, becomes only the second WKU player to be named a Perfect Game USA All-American. His family ties to Clemson add a personal connection to his new journey. With a record-setting performance at WKU, Wideman aims to make a significant impact at Clemson in the upcoming baseball season.

Bowling Green, KY – Ryan Wideman, an outfielder from Western Kentucky University, has been awarded All-American honors for the second consecutive year and has announced his transfer to Clemson University for the upcoming baseball season. Wideman was named to both the NCBWA All-American First Team and the Perfect Game USA All-American Third Team, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the nation.

This recognition marks the fifth time in WKU history that a player has received NCBWA All-American status, with Wideman joining the ranks of previous honorees including Mason Burns (2024), Jake Sanford (2019), Chad Cregar (2009), and Matt Wilhite (2003). He also becomes only the second Hilltopper ever named a Perfect Game USA All-American, following Jake Sanford’s achievement in 2019.

In addition to his All-American accolades, Wideman, a native of Marietta, Georgia, was named the Conference USA Player and Newcomer of the Year. During the 2024 season, he turned in a remarkable performance, achieving a batting average of .398, an on-base percentage of .466, and a slugging percentage of .652. His season was highlighted by 97 hits, 10 home runs, six triples, 20 doubles, and 68 RBIs, all contributing to a total of 71 runs scored. Notably, he set a program record with 45 stolen bases in a single season.

Wideman’s exceptional performance placed him at the top of multiple statistical categories in Conference USA, leading the league in batting average, hits, triples, total bases, and stolen bases. Furthermore, he ranked among the top five in 12 offensive categories within the conference. As a testament to his skill, he was named to the All-CUSA First Team and selected for the CUSA All-Tournament Team, playing an instrumental role in WKU’s first CUSA championship run.

Midway through the season, he earned recognition as a Perfect Game USA First Team All-American and a D1Baseball Second Team All-American. He was also included in the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List, which highlights the top amateur baseball players in the country. On March 17, Wideman was named CUSA Player of the Week following an impressive four-game stretch where he batted .524, including a grand slam and multiple doubles and triples.

One of the standout moments of Wideman’s college career came when he achieved the first recorded cycle in WKU program history against Southern Illinois, finishing the game with a record-setting 4-for-6 performance, including 9 RBIs.

Wideman’s upcoming schedule includes participation in the 2025 MLB Draft Scouting Combine from June 17-21 at Chase Field in Phoenix, with the MLB Draft commencing on July 13. His performance and projections have also led to his ranking at No. 155 in MLB.com’s top 200 draft prospects ahead of the 2025 draft.

On June 11, 2025, Wideman announced his transfer from Western Kentucky to Clemson, where he is expected to join a strong transfer class aimed at filling significant gaps left by departing players. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 204 pounds, Wideman will bring considerable talent to the Tigers’ roster as they compete in NCAA baseball.

Prior to his tenure at WKU, Wideman spent two successful seasons at Georgia Highlands College, where he boasted a batting average of .423 and hit 22 home runs, earning junior college All-American honors. His family also has deep ties to Clemson, with his father, Tom Wideman, being a former basketball player for the Tigers, adding a personal connection to his new collegiate home.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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WKU Baseball Stars Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
WKU Baseball Stars Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
Western Kentucky University Baseball Players Enter Transfer Portal
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WKU Baseball Team Narrowly Loses to No. 23 Vanderbilt
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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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