June 24, 2025

WKU Baseball Program Undergoes Major Changes

News Summary

The Western Kentucky University baseball team is experiencing significant shifts as it prepares for the upcoming season. Nathan Lawson, a standout pitcher from Eastern Kentucky University, joins the team, while four players have entered the NCAA transfer portal. With several key departures, including a top reliever, the team faces a transitional period following their recent championship win. WKU aims to build a competitive roster to follow up on last season’s success amid these changes.

Bowling Green, Kentucky – The Western Kentucky University (WKU) baseball program is undergoing significant changes as it prepares for the upcoming season. The team recently received a commitment from right-handed pitcher Nathan Lawson, previously a standout at Eastern Kentucky University, while simultaneously seeing four players entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Nathan Lawson, a 6-1, 210-pound pitcher from Russell Springs, Kentucky, will join WKU after a productive three seasons with the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. During his college career, Lawson made 55 appearances and pitched a total of 164 2/3 innings. He notably faced off against WKU in 2023 as a freshman, where he earned a victory by allowing just one earned run over five innings of play.

Last season, Lawson showcased his skills with 22 appearances and a record of 1-2, alongside a 6.33 ERA spanning 58 1/3 innings, during which he recorded 55 strikeouts. His early performances in the 2025 season included a commendable outing on March 4, where he limited a ranked opponent, No. 23 Kentucky, to just one run on two hits over three innings. His academic accomplishments also include his selection as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District member in 2025, reflecting his commitment both on the field and in the classroom.

However, the addition of Lawson comes amid a wave of departures from the WKU baseball program. On June 4, senior reliever Lucas Hartman made the decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Hartman had a remarkable season, achieving All-Conference USA (CUSA) first-team honors with a record of 5-1, three saves, and an impressive 2.70 ERA in 22 appearances. He struck out 62 batters in 53 1/3 innings and held opponents to a mere .180 batting average.

In addition to Hartman, freshman right-hander Taylor Penn also announced his entry into the transfer portal after appearing in 14 games with a 3.48 ERA and a 3-1 record. Furthermore, fellow reliever Lucas Litteral, who pitched 14 games with a record of 0-1 and a 7.36 ERA, has also decided to transfer. As of now, the total number of WKU players entering the transfer portal has escalated to 14, indicating a substantial turnover in the team’s roster.

This trend follows WKU’s recent success, as the baseball team clinched the Conference USA Tournament Championship, marking their first championship title since joining the league in 2014. Amidst these roster changes, the team has lost key players, including the CUSA Pitcher of the Year, Drew Whalen, who transferred to Auburn, along with several others moving to programs at institutions such as Kentucky, Arizona, Central Florida, South Carolina, and Clemson.

As the team navigates this transitional period, current and incoming players will look to adjust to the new dynamics on the squad. WKU’s baseball program remains focused on building a competitive team for the next season with the recent addition of Lawson and the ongoing adjustments dictated by the players entering the transfer portal.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

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