News Summary
Ryan Wideman, a standout junior outfielder from Western Kentucky University, has entered the college baseball transfer portal. After a stellar season where he earned accolades as Conference USA’s Player of the Year and set multiple records, including a batting average of .398 and 45 stolen bases, his transfer becomes a significant story. Clemson University is reportedly interested in Wideman as they look to fill key outfield positions. His impressive performance and family ties to the institution make him a prime candidate for recruitment.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Ryan Wideman, a junior outfielder from Western Kentucky University, has officially entered the college baseball transfer portal as of Monday. Wideman is coming off a standout season where he secured multiple accolades, including being named Conference USA’s Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
During the 2025 season, Wideman had a remarkable batting average of .398, which included 97 hits, 10 home runs, and 68 runs batted in (RBI). Notably, he also stole 45 bases, which set a new school record for Western Kentucky. His contributions were critical as the Hilltoppers finished with a strong 46-14 record, marking the second-highest number of wins in the program’s history.
The Hilltoppers’ campaign concluded in the NCAA Oxford Regional, where they faced No. 15 Ole Miss but lost 8-6. In that final game, Wideman showcased his skills by going 3 for 5 at the plate, driving in a run. His performance throughout the season illustrated impressive consistency, leading Conference USA in several crucial categories: he topped the leaderboard with a .408 batting average during the regular season, 89 hits, 6 triples, 145 total bases, and 42 stolen bases.
Clemson’s Interest in Wideman
As Clemson seeks to strengthen its roster, Ryan Wideman has emerged as a prime target following his entry into the transfer portal. The team is preparing for the potential loss of two main outfielders, Cam Cannarella and Dominic Listi, which creates an immediate need to fill those positions. Wideman, with his blend of size, skill, and performance, is viewed as a potential cornerstone addition for the Tigers, particularly if he opts not to declare for the MLB Draft.
Background on Wideman
Ryan Wideman, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, possesses a unique combination of contact hitting, base-stealing capabilities, and strong defensive skills. His family ties to Clemson run deep, with his father, Tom Wideman, having played basketball for the university between 1995 and 1999. Additionally, Ryan has two younger brothers who are also involved in baseball: Adam, a freshman pitcher at Pensacola State College, and Logan, a 6’6″ senior first baseman at Walton High School. Ryan wears No. 33, a number that holds significance due to its association with his father’s collegiate career.
Current Transfer Portal Trends
Wideman’s teammate, Drew Whalen, has also entered the transfer portal. Whalen, who was named C-USA Pitcher of the Year for the 2025 season, achieved a 9-2 record and held a 2.84 earned run average across 14 appearances. He struck out 79 batters while allowing 22 earned runs. Whalen’s final season performance included a challenging outing in the last game, where he suffered a loss after giving up five runs in five innings.
Clemson’s roster reshaping from the transfer portal comes amid an evolving landscape in college baseball, where players increasingly seek opportunities for growth and competition. Currently, the only new addition to Clemson’s bullpen is junior right-hander Ariston Veasey from Alabama. Veasey had limited playtime last season, pitching only 3 2/3 innings, but he is noted for a fastball that has reached speeds of 98 MPH.
As the offseason progresses, the potential acquisition of talents like Ryan Wideman could significantly alter the fortunes of the Clemson baseball program. His next steps will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as the college baseball scene continues to evolve.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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WKU Baseball’s Season Ends with Loss to Ole Miss
Bowling Green Celebrates Achievements in Sports Tournaments
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WKU Baseball Stars Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
Western Kentucky University Baseball Players Enter Transfer Portal
Three WKU Baseball Stars Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
Additional Resources
- On3: Ryan Wideman Commits to Clemson
- WKU Sports: Wideman Named Player and Newcomer of the Year
- Clemson Sports Talk: Player with Clemson Ties Enters Transfer Portal
- Wikipedia: College Baseball
- Google Search: Ryan Wideman Baseball
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.
