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Tennessee

Tony Vitello evaluates how Liam Doyle can get back to best form

Danby: Daniel Hager05/27/25DanielHagerOn3
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Tennessee's Liam Doyle (Photo via Tennessee Athletics)

Tennessee hit it big in the Transfer Portal this offseason when it lured prized Ole Miss sophomore left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle from Oxford. Headed into this weekend’s Knoxville Regional, head coach Tony Vitello and Tennessee will need a big outing from the 2025 SEC Pitcher of the Year.

“Not inparticular,” Vitello responded when asked if Doyle had done anything different over his last two starts. The Derry, NH native has had an unusual last two outings against Arkansas and Texas (SEC Tournament), as he’s allowed 17 hits and 10 earned runs in just 8 1/3 innings (10.80 ERA).

“I think we’ve summarized the year as it was a good one for him,” Vitello said. “He’s come a long way. Timing is interesting with this team in particular on conversations, as far as success and where we’re at is what I’m alluding to. Overall for him, I think we feel good that we didn’t put him through a meat grinder especially after what he did. His hand was fine, but he gave up more hits than he would have liked. Probably two weeks ago or two outings ago, but he just faced the conference champs (Texas). It’s not like it was a terrible outing, it just wasn’t up to his standard. We pulled him early because of what’s about to go on this weekend.”

Doyle was named SEC Pitcher of the Year

The left-hander absolutely shredded his SEC competition this season, as he pitched to a 6-3 record with a 3.51 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 10 conference starts. Doyle, who is currently projected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, could very well be the second highest drafted player in program history.

“Overall, he’s in a positive place and we don’t see any concerns. Just like all of our players, he needs to be true to himself. I think arguably his best outing was when he was on his toes going back to where he played last year (Ole Miss) and was focused on what he was trying to do because he kinda knew the unique circumstances there. I think that’s what all of our guys need to do… just be who they are.”

The reigning National Champions will open play in the NCAA Tournament Friday night at 6:00 PM against No. 4 seed Miami (OH). Tennessee is looking to become the first program to win back-to-back National Championships since South Carolina did so in 2010-2011.