In a stellar 2025 season, Tennessee Volunteers’ left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle etched his name into the program’s history books by winning the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Pitcher of the Year Award. Announced on May 19, 2025, by the SEC, Doyle became only the third Volunteer to earn this prestigious honor, joining the elite company of Luke Hochevar (2005) and Chase Dollander (2022). His dominant performance on the mound solidified his reputation as one of college baseball’s premier talents and a cornerstone of Tennessee’s 2025 campaign. Go Vols! 🍊
Doyle, a transfer from Ole Miss, emerged as Tennessee’s ace in his first season with the Volunteers. The junior southpaw led the nation with an NCAA-best 137 strikeouts across 79.1 innings pitched, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters. His 2.72 ERA ranked second in the SEC, while opponents managed a mere .171 batting average against him, the second-lowest in the conference. Doyle’s 5.45 hits allowed per nine innings placed him eighth nationally, underscoring his dominance. With nine wins, tied for the most in the SEC, he proved to be a reliable Friday night starter, setting the tone for Tennessee’s series. His performance earned him not only the SEC Pitcher of the Year title but also a spot on the All-SEC First Team.
The Derry, New Hampshire, native made history early in the season by contributing to two combined no-hitters, a rare feat in Tennessee’s storied program. On March 7, against St. Bonaventure, Doyle tossed 5.2 hitless innings, striking out 13 batters. Weeks later, he delivered six hitless innings against Texas A&M, retiring eight batters with two walks. These performances marked the second time in program history that Tennessee recorded multiple no-hitters in a single season, a testament to Doyle’s impact. His 14-strikeout, 8.1-inning gem against Ole Miss—his former team—was a highlight, showcasing both his skill and competitive fire.
Doyle’s journey to Tennessee was unconventional. After starting his college career at Coastal Carolina in 2023 (3–1, 4.15 ERA), he transferred to Ole Miss for 2024, where he posted a 3–4 record with a 5.73 ERA. Seeking a fresh start, Doyle joined Tennessee and transformed into a first-round MLB Draft prospect, ranked No. 10 overall by MLB.com. His fastball, often hitting 95-98 mph and touching 100, paired with a sharp cutter and curveball, made him a nightmare for hitters. Despite concerns about his unorthodox delivery, his 69.1% strikeout rate in non-conference play and 34.3% in SEC games silenced doubters.
Beyond stats, Doyle’s competitive spirit endeared him to teammates and fans. Head coach Tony Vitello praised his passion, noting, “He wants to compete… there’s no way anyone doesn’t like the guy.” As a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, Doyle’s 2025 season positions him as a key figure in Tennessee’s postseason aspirations. With the Vols (41-15) entering the SEC Tournament as the No. 8 seed, Doyle’s arm will be crucial as they defend their 2024 College World Series title.
Liam Doyle’s 2025 SEC Pitcher of the Year Award cements his legacy as one of Tennessee’s all-time greats. With Hochevar and Dollander as predecessors, Doyle’s dominance ensures the Volunteers’ pitching tradition remains strong. As postseason play looms, Vol Nation eagerly awaits more heroics from their ace. G
o Vols! 🍊
