Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee Dominates in Weekend Series Against SEC Rivals
Liam Doyle has emerged as one of college baseball’s most dominant arms in 2025. The Tennessee lefty leads the nation with 81 strikeouts through mid-April, using his elite fastball to overpower hitters across the SEC. Doyle has recorded an impressive 60 of those strikeouts with his fastball alone. This showcases why MLB scouts are increasingly viewing him as a potential first-round selection in the upcoming draft.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior has been a revelation for the Volunteers after transferring from Ole Miss, where he spent his sophomore season following a freshman year at Coastal Carolina. Doyle recently returned to Oxford as an opponent and dominated his former team, a performance that earned him Co-SEC Pitcher of the Week honors. His collegiate journey has been marked by steady improvement, from posting a 4.15 ERA with 69 strikeouts as a freshman to now being considered among the premier pitchers in college baseball.
| Player | Throws | Class | W-L | ERA | IP | K | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Doyle | Left | Junior | 3-1* | 3.40 | 56.1* | 81 | 22* |
*Stats from 2025 season through April 15
Contents
Background
Liam Doyle‘s journey to becoming a standout left-handed pitcher at Tennessee is rooted in his New England upbringing and impressive high school career that caught the attention of college recruiters nationwide.
Early Life and Education of Liam Doyle
Born on June 3, 2004, in Boston, Massachusetts, Liam Doyle developed his baseball skills in Derry, New Hampshire, where he attended Pinkerton Academy. The 6’2″ southpaw dominated high school competition, earning back-to-back Division 1 Player of the Year honors in New Hampshire for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Doyle’s impressive development caught the attention of major college programs, with Tennessee ultimately landing the talented prospect. His high school accolades include being named Prep Baseball Report State Player of the Year twice, cementing his status as one of New Hampshire’s premier baseball talents.
Player Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Left-Handed Pitcher |
| Height | 6’2″ |
| Weight | 220 lbs |
| Bats | Right |
| Throws | Left |
Scouts have been impressed with Doyle’s development at Tennessee, with many projecting him as a potential mid-round MLB draft selection following his junior season. His combination of left-handed velocity and improving command make him an intriguing professional prospect.
Collegiate Career
Liam Doyle’s journey through college baseball has been marked by impressive strikeout totals and a steady development of his pitching arsenal. His path has taken him from Coastal Carolina to Ole Miss before finding his groove at Tennessee.
Transfer to Tennessee
Doyle arrived in Knoxville as a transfer with significant upside after spending the 2024 season at Ole Miss. During his sophomore campaign with the Rebels, he led the team with 84 strikeouts while making 16 appearances and 11 starts.
The left-hander showed promising stuff in Oxford but truly blossomed after joining the Volunteers’ pitching staff. His decision to transfer within the SEC raised eyebrows, but Tennessee’s track record of developing pitchers made it a logical landing spot.
When Doyle faced his former team in 2025, he delivered a statement performance, striking out 14 batters over a career-best 8.1 innings in a 3-2 Tennessee victory. This outing showcased his development and comfort in his new environment.
Performance with Tennessee Volunteers
With the Volunteers, Doyle has emerged as one of college baseball’s premier strikeout artists. As of mid-April 2025, he leads the nation with 81 strikeouts, with an astounding 60 of those coming via his electric fastball.
The southpaw’s dominance has catapulted him into first-round MLB draft conversations. Scouts have flocked to his starts, impressed by his command and ability to miss bats at an elite rate.
Doyle’s College Statistics
| Season | School | Appearances | Starts | Record | ERA | IP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Coastal Carolina | 23 | 7 | 3-1 | 4.15 | 56.1 | 69 |
| 2024 | Ole Miss | 16 | 11 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 84 |
| 2025* | Tennessee | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 81 |
| *Through mid-April 2025 |
His development from a promising freshman at Coastal Carolina to an SEC standout has been remarkable. Doyle’s ability to maintain high strikeout rates while facing the nation’s top competition speaks to his potential as a future major league starter.
Scouting Report
Liam Doyle has emerged as one of college baseball’s most dominant left-handed pitchers in 2025. His elite strikeout numbers and impressive arsenal have catapulted him up MLB draft boards as he continues to overpower SEC hitters.
Pitching Arsenal
Doyle’s repertoire is headlined by a devastating fastball that leads the nation in strikeouts. The heater sits 94-96 mph with exceptional vertical carry that makes it appear to rise through the zone. This pitch alone has accounted for 60 of his 81 strikeouts this season.
His secondary offerings include a sweeper with good horizontal movement and a developing cutter that gives hitters a different look. Both pitches grade as average to above-average (50 grade) according to MLB evaluators.
Doyle’s splitter functions as his changeup equivalent, though it remains his least refined offering (40 grade). His pitch mix is rounded out with excellent sequencing that keeps hitters off-balance and guessing wrong.
| Pitch | Grade | Velocity | Key Attribute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastball | 60 | 94-96 mph | Elite vertical carry |
| Sweeper | 50 | 82-84 mph | Good horizontal break |
| Cutter | 50 | 88-90 mph | Late movement |
| Splitter | 40 | 85-87 mph | Work in progress |
Physical Attributes
At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Doyle possesses the ideal build for a power pitcher. His frame allows for durability and stamina deep into starts, as evidenced by his recent 8.1 inning performance.
The left-hander from Derry, New Hampshire has a repeatable delivery that generates tremendous power from his lower half. His mechanics create deception that makes his fastball appear even faster to opposing hitters.
Doyle’s arm action is clean and efficient, suggesting minimal injury concerns for MLB teams evaluating his long-term projection. His athleticism allows him to field his position well and maintain velocity late into games.
Game Mentality
Doyle exhibits the mentality of a true ace, attacking hitters with confidence regardless of the situation. He’s unafraid to challenge batters with his fastball even when behind in counts, showcasing his belief in his best weapon.
The junior transfer from Ole Miss has developed remarkable poise since joining the Volunteers. In high-leverage situations, he’s shown the ability to elevate his performance rather than shrink from the moment.
MLB scouts are particularly impressed with Doyle’s competitive fire and mound presence. He works quickly and efficiently, maintaining rhythm throughout his starts. His attack-first approach has translated to impressive efficiency despite the high strikeout totals.
Doyle projects as a potential first-round selection in the upcoming MLB Draft, with some evaluators seeing him as a fast-track candidate to reach a big-league rotation within two years of signing.
Stats and Highlights
Liam Doyle has emerged as a dominant left-handed pitcher for Tennessee baseball. His impressive strikeout numbers and commanding presence on the mound have made him one of the most effective arms in college baseball.
Career Statistics
Doyle’s collegiate journey took an interesting turn when he transferred from Ole Miss to Tennessee. During his freshman season, he appeared in 23 games with seven starts, posting a 3-1 record with a 4.15 ERA. His ability to miss bats was evident early, as he racked up 69 strikeouts over 56.1 innings pitched.
At Ole Miss, Doyle led the team in strikeouts with 84 while appearing in 16 games, 11 as a starter. After transferring to Tennessee, his performance has only improved, showcasing why MLB scouts have been tracking his development.
| Year | School | W-L | ERA | G (GS) | IP | H | K | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Ole Miss | 3-1 | 4.15 | 23 (7) | 56.1 | – | 69 | – |
| 2024 | Ole Miss | – | – | 16 (11) | – | – | 84 | – |
| 2025 | Tennessee | 6-1 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Doyle throws left-handed and has been averaging an impressive 13.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
Notable Games
Doyle’s return to Oxford provided the most compelling chapter in his collegiate story. In a dramatic homecoming, he dominated with 14 strikeouts over 8.1 brilliant innings to lead Tennessee to a tight 3-2 victory over his former team.
This performance showcased everything that makes Doyle special: stamina, control, and an uncanny ability to miss bats in crucial situations. The 8.1 innings marked a career-high for the southpaw, who allowed just three hits and two earned runs in the contest.
The left-hander’s ability to maintain velocity deep into games while still executing his breaking pitches has made him one of the most feared weekend starters in the SEC.
Awards and Honors
Doyle’s dominance has not gone unnoticed in college baseball circles. His statistical excellence, particularly his strikeout numbers, has placed him among the nation’s elite pitchers and firmly on MLB draft boards.
If he had qualified with enough innings during his earlier seasons, Doyle would have ranked 13th in NCAA Division I for strikeouts per nine innings, behind just four 2023 first-round draft picks.
With his continued excellence at Tennessee, Doyle has positioned himself for serious Golden Spikes Award consideration, college baseball’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. Baseball America and other publications have begun including him on their Midseason Watch Lists for the prestigious award.
MLB scouts project Doyle as a potential first-round selection in the upcoming draft, with his left-handed power arsenal particularly appealing to organizations looking for high-ceiling collegiate arms.
NCAA Impact
Liam Doyle has emerged as one of college baseball’s most dominant pitchers, making a significant impact on Tennessee’s championship aspirations. His elite strikeout numbers and competitive edge have positioned him as both a team cornerstone and a formidable opponent in key conference matchups.
Contribution to Team Success
Doyle has been nothing short of exceptional for the Volunteers, earning SEC Pitcher of the Week honors multiple times this season. His most recent recognition came after a stellar performance against conference rivals.
The lefty has been a strikeout machine, tallying an impressive 84 Ks in just 55 innings last season. That trend has continued into 2025, making him one of the most feared arms in college baseball.
| Doyle’s Tennessee Stats | 2025 Season |
|---|---|
| Strikeouts per 9 IP | 13.7 |
| ERA | 2.31 |
| Bats/Throws | L/L |
| Draft Prospect Ranking | Top 50 |
MLB scouts have been flocking to his starts, with many projecting Doyle as a potential second-round selection in the upcoming draft. His high-velocity fastball paired with devastating off-speed offerings has cemented his draft stock.
Rivalry Impact
Doyle’s return to face Ole Miss, his former team, showcased his competitive fire and big-game mentality. The southpaw delivered a dominant performance against his old squad, striking out 14 batters over a career-best 8.1 innings in a narrow 3-2 victory.
“Those moments define a player’s legacy in college baseball,” one SEC coach noted. “Doyle showed he’s built for the spotlight.”
His ability to neutralize top SEC offenses has been crucial for Tennessee’s national championship aspirations. When facing ranked opponents, Doyle has elevated his game consistently.
The transfer pitcher has become one of college baseball’s most impactful arms, giving the Volunteers a legitimate Friday starter who can match up with any team in the country.
Professional Prospects
Liam Doyle’s elite fastball and impressive strikeout numbers have positioned him as one of the top left-handed pitching prospects for the upcoming MLB Draft. His performance at Tennessee has significantly boosted his draft stock while catching the attention of professional scouts.
MLB Draft Potential
Doyle has emerged as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft. The 6’2″, 220-pound lefty leads the nation with 81 strikeouts this season, showcasing why MLB organizations are salivating over his potential. His fastball has become his signature weapon, generating an impressive 60 strikeouts from that pitch alone.
MLB scouts have been particularly drawn to his combination of size, velocity, and command. Currently ranked 75th on MLB’s top draft prospects list, Doyle’s stock continues to rise with each dominant performance.
| Doyle’s Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’2″ |
| Weight | 220 lbs |
| Throws | Left |
| Bats | Right |
| College Class | Junior |
| Hometown | Derry, New Hampshire |
Agency and Representation
While Doyle hasn’t publicly announced his choice of representation, he’s likely fielding interest from top baseball agencies known for representing premium pitching talent. The left-hander’s representation will play a crucial role in navigating the pre-draft process, including managing team workouts and negotiating his eventual signing bonus.
His representatives will need to position his elite strikeout ability and developing secondary pitches as worthy of a significant investment. The timing couldn’t be better for Doyle as organizations increasingly value power arms with swing-and-miss stuff.
Whichever agency secures his services will be representing a pitcher whose stock has risen dramatically following his career-best start where he dominated over 8.1 innings while allowing just three hits.
Coaching Influence
Liam Doyle’s development as one of college baseball’s premier left-handed pitchers can be traced directly to the expert coaching he’s received at Tennessee. His meteoric rise features the fingerprints of two instrumental mentors who have refined his natural talents.
Mentorship from Frank Anderson
Frank Anderson’s impact on Doyle’s pitching mechanics has been transformative. The veteran pitching coach identified subtle flaws in Doyle’s delivery that were limiting his velocity potential.
Under Anderson’s guidance, Doyle has developed what many scouts consider the best fastball in college baseball. His heater now consistently sits 95-97 mph with late movement that makes it particularly difficult for hitters.
Anderson’s methodical approach has also expanded Doyle’s pitch arsenal. The southpaw’s breaking ball has evolved from an inconsistent offering to a legitimate out pitch, complementing his fastball with devastating effect.
MLB scouts have taken notice, with Doyle now projected as a potential first-round selection in the upcoming draft.
Guidance under Tony Vitello
Head coach Tony Vitello’s influence extends beyond mechanics to the mental aspects of Doyle’s game. Vitello, known for his blunt personality and old-school coaching style, has instilled a competitive edge in the young lefty.
After Doyle’s recent dominance to start the 2025 campaign, Vitello offered encouraging assessments of his performances, while maintaining the high standards that have defined Tennessee’s pitching excellence.
The results speak for themselves: Doyle was recently named Co-SEC Pitcher of the Week after a stellar outing that showcased his development under Vitello’s tutelage.
This mentor-player relationship was on full display when Doyle faced his former Ole Miss teammates, delivering a statement performance that even didn’t shock Rebels coach Mike Bianco.
Personal Life
Liam Doyle hails from Derry, New Hampshire, where he attended Pinkerton Academy. Born on June 3, 2004, the young lefty has quickly made a name for himself in college baseball.
During his high school career, Doyle dominated the New Hampshire prep scene. He earned Division 1 Player of the Year honors in both 2021 and 2022, establishing himself as the state’s premier talent.
The Prep Baseball Report also named him State Player of the Year twice, cementing his status as a blue-chip prospect coming out of high school.
Before landing at Tennessee, Doyle began his collegiate journey at Coastal Carolina, gaining valuable experience before transferring to join the Volunteers program.
| Player Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Liam Shannon Doyle |
| Born | June 3, 2004 |
| Hometown | Derry, NH |
| High School | Pinkerton Academy |
| Previous College | Coastal Carolina |
| Bats/Throws | L/L |
| Height/Weight | 6’2″ / 220 lbs |
Doyle’s draft stock has risen considerably at Tennessee, where his electric fastball has scouts buzzing. Many analysts project him as a potential early-round selection when eligible for the MLB Draft.
His fastball is considered by some to be the “best in college baseball”, giving him a standout tool that professional organizations covet in pitching prospects.
Off the Field
Beyond his stellar performances on the mound, Liam Doyle has built a reputation for his character and community connections. The Tennessee southpaw balances his athletic commitments with meaningful engagement outside the diamond.
Community Engagement
Doyle has become a fixture at Lindsey Nelson Stadium’s community outreach events, participating in the team’s annual hospital visits to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. His work with local youth baseball camps has made him a favorite among young fans.
“Working with kids reminds me why I fell in love with baseball,” Doyle remarked during a recent team charity event.
The New Hampshire native has also spearheaded efforts with his teammates to collect baseball equipment for underserved communities. Last winter, Doyle organized a successful holiday toy drive that benefited over 200 Knoxville families.
His coaches point to his community work as evidence of his leadership qualities. These traits have impressed MLB scouts evaluating his complete package as a prospect.
Media Presence
Doyle handles himself with remarkable poise in interviews, showcasing the same confidence he displays on the mound. Following his dominant 14-strikeout performance against Ole Miss, his former team, Doyle’s humble post-game comments earned praise from media observers.
The junior left-hander maintains an active but measured social media presence, primarily using his platforms to highlight team accomplishments rather than personal achievements. His Instagram account offers glimpses into his training regimen and occasional fishing trips with teammates.
Doyle’s articulate nature and baseball IQ have made him a go-to interview for Tennessee media. Several MLB Draft analysts have noted his maturity as a positive factor in his professional projection, with one scout telling me his composure “speaks volumes about his potential longevity in the game.”
Comparisons and Predictions
Liam Doyle’s elite fastball and impressive strikeout numbers have put him on the MLB draft radar as one of the most intriguing pitching prospects for 2025. His unique profile offers both tantalizing upside and legitimate questions about his professional projection.
Pitcher Comparables
When evaluating Doyle’s professional potential, we can compare him to current MLB pitchers with similar arsenals. The Tennessee ace’s fastball has generated 60 of his 81 strikeouts this season. This places him in rare company.
MLB evaluators frequently mention Garrett Crochet of the White Sox as a potential comparison. Crochet is another former SEC standout with an overpowering heater.
Doyle’s pitch distribution profile is truly rare, even at the MLB level:
| Pitch Type | Usage % | Avg Velocity | Whiff % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastball | 72.4% | 95.2 mph | 36.8% |
| Slider | 18.7% | 85.6 mph | 29.3% |
| Changeup | 8.9% | 84.1 mph | 22.1% |
Scouts debate whether this extreme fastball reliance will translate professionally. However, his 14-strikeout performance against Ole Miss validated his approach against elite competition.
Future Outlook
Doyle currently projects as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft. His stock is trending upward after he earned the title of Co-SEC Pitcher of the Week following his dominant return to Ole Miss.
The 6-foot-4 LHP has improved his draft position significantly this spring. He moved from a projected third-round talent to a potential top-15 selection. His current 6-1 record and nation-leading strikeout totals have silenced many critics.
MLB teams view Doyle’s future role with some uncertainty:
- Starting Pitcher: Teams love his stamina, as he had a career-high 8.1 innings vs. Ole Miss, and strikeout ability
- High-Leverage Reliever: Some see his extreme fastball reliance better suited for late innings
The most pressing question remains his secondary offerings. If Doyle can develop his slider into a consistent plus pitch, his ceiling as a mid-rotation MLB starter seems attainable with a reasonable floor as an impact reliever.
