News Summary
Three standout players from Western Kentucky University’s baseball team have entered the NCAA transfer portal after a record-setting season. Outfielder Ryan Wideman, pitcher Drew Whalen, and relief pitcher Patrick Morris confirmed their transfers, highlighting their exceptional contributions. Wideman earned accolades as Conference USA Player of the Year with a remarkable batting average, while Whalen and Morris delivered outstanding pitching performances. The Hilltoppers concluded the season with a 46-14 record, a CUSA title, and an impressive overall campaign, now paving the way for their next collegiate endeavors.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Three standout players from Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) baseball program have officially entered the NCAA transfer portal following a highly successful season. Outfielder Ryan Wideman, starting pitcher Drew Whalen, and relief pitcher Patrick Morris confirmed their transfers on June 3, 2025.
Ryan Wideman, a junior outfielder from Marietta, Georgia, had a remarkable season, earning accolades as both Conference USA’s (CUSA) Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. During the 2025 season, Wideman achieved a batting average of .398, leading the conference. He recorded impressive stats including 10 home runs, 20 doubles, six triples, and 70 runs scored. Additionally, he set a new school record with 45 stolen bases and ranked among the top five in 12 offensive categories within CUSA. Wideman topped the conference in hits (97), triples, at-bats (244), and stolen bases.
Joining Wideman in the transfer portal is sophomore starting pitcher Drew Whalen from Franklin, Tennessee, who was named CUSA Pitcher of the Year for his stellar performance. Whalen compiled a 9-3 record over his 16 appearances, which all came as starts, pitching a team-high 81 2/3 innings. He concluded the season with a 3.53 earned run average (ERA), allowing 71 hits and 31 walks while striking out a team-best 90 batters. Whalen’s performance placed him in the top five in several CUSA pitching categories, including ERA, opposing batting average (.235), innings pitched, strikeouts, and wins.
Lastly, Patrick Morris, a senior left-handed relief pitcher from Chandler, Arizona, also announced his transfer. Morris was a vital component of the WKU bullpen, recording an impressive ERA of 1.11 over 17 appearances, including two starts that contributed to a total of 32 1/3 innings pitched. He finished the season with a 2-0 record, one save, and 33 strikeouts, solidifying his reputation as a key player contributing to the team’s success.
The WKU Hilltoppers baseball team recently concluded their season at the NCAA Oxford Regional, where they faced off against No. 15 Ole Miss but ultimately lost the match 8-6. The team’s overall record for the season stands at an impressive 46-14, with an 18-9 finish in conference play. This season’s win total marks the second-highest in WKU baseball history, just one win shy of the program record set by the 1980 team, which boasts 47 victories. Notably, the Hilltoppers also captured their first-ever CUSA title during this successful campaign.
As the three standout players transition to new opportunities through the NCAA transfer portal, their significant contributions to WKU’s record-setting season highlight their potential as they seek to advance their collegiate baseball careers at different institutions.
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Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News: WKU Baseball Transfers
- WKU Sports: Women’s Soccer Signs Two Transfers
- WKU Sports: Women’s Golf Signs Georgia Transfer
- WKU Sports: Men’s Golf Signs Mississippi State Transfer
- Google Search: WKU Sports Transfers
