News Summary
Western Kentucky University’s baseball program is facing a significant transition as four key players have entered the NCAA transfer portal following a successful season that included a Conference USA championship. Carlos Vasquez, Ryan Wideman, Drew Whalen, and Patrick Morris are looking for new opportunities after a remarkable season, with standout performances and records set during their time with the Hilltoppers. Their decision marks a pivotal moment for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Western Kentucky University’s baseball program is facing a significant shift as four standout players from their 2025 season have entered the NCAA transfer portal. Redshirt junior Carlos Vasquez, along with junior Ryan Wideman, graduate student Drew Whalen, and senior left-hander Patrick Morris, are making this move following a highly successful season culminated by a Conference USA championship.
Carlos Vasquez, a native of São Paulo, Brazil, announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on social media late Tuesday night. Vasquez, known for his super utility role, played both infield and outfield positions for the Hilltoppers and made a notable impact during the 2025 season. After transferring from Wallace-Dothan Community College, he took a medical redshirt in 2024, but returned to form in 2025, achieving a remarkable .366 batting average and tallying 86 hits, which positioned him second in the Conference USA.
His impressive performance during the season included 5 home runs, 22 doubles, 1 triple, and 40 RBIs. Vasquez showcased his talent significantly during a series against Louisiana Tech, where he was named CUSA Hitter of the Week after hitting 9-for-17 with three three-hit games and seven RBIs.
Joining Vasquez in the transfer portal is teammate Ryan Wideman, who had a standout season as a junior from Marietta, Georgia. Wideman was the recipient of both Conference USA Player and Newcomer of the Year awards after posting a jaw-dropping .408 batting average and leading the conference with 89 hits. His offensive capabilities were evident as he recorded 8 home runs, 20 doubles, 64 RBIs, and achieved a remarkable 42 stolen bases, setting a new program record. He also ranked in the top five in 12 offensive categories across the conference.
Pitcher Drew Whalen made headlines with his performance, having been named the CUSA Pitcher of the Year. Whalen, who won 9 games against only 2 losses and recorded a 2.84 ERA over 14 starts, struck out 79 batters across 69.2 innings pitched. His season was marked by consistent strikeout performances, achieving six or more strikeouts in nine of his appearances.
Patrick Morris completed the group of players entering the transfer portal. The senior from Chandler, Arizona, had an impressive season with a 1.11 ERA over 17 appearances, including two starts, and he racked up 33 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched.
The 2025 season was historic for the WKU Hilltoppers, finishing with an overall record of 46-14 and an 18-9 mark in Conference USA play. This achievement includes securing their first Conference USA championship title and making their first NCAA Regional appearance since 2009. The 46 wins mark the second-highest total in WKU baseball’s 106-year history, just shy of the all-time record of 47 victories set in 1980. Unfortunately, the team’s tournament run ended after losing to Ole Miss in the NCAA Oxford Regional.
As these players embark on new journeys, their contributions to WKU baseball have left a lasting impression on the program and its supporters. The entrance of these key athletes into the transfer portal signals a new chapter for the Hilltoppers as they look to rebuild ahead of the upcoming season.
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Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: Women’s Soccer Signs Two Transfers
- WBKO: Two Star Hilltopper Baseball Players Enter Transfer Portal
- Kentucky Wildcats Wire: Target Ryan Wideman Transfer Portal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google Search: NCAA Transfer Portal
