Oliver Grigg

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas left-handers Hunter Hollan and Hagen Smith have been named to the watch list for the National Pitcher of the Year Award.

Arkansas is the only SEC program and one of just eight schools with multiple pitchers on the watch list for the award, which will be presented later this year by the College Baseball Foundation. Razorback legend Kevin Kopps won the 2021 award in addition to claiming the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy as the best player in college baseball.

Hollan, the Hogs’ Friday starter, is 6-1 with a 2.81 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 48 innings across nine starts on the mound this season. He has logged a team-leading four quality starts, including three against SEC opponents, this year.

In SEC play, Hollan’s numbers are equally as impressive. The Hallsville, Texas, native, in his first season at Arkansas after transferring from San Jacinto College, boasts a 3-1 record with a 3.29 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 27 1/3 innings of work.

Smith began the season as a starter before shifting to the bullpen due to injuries. As the Hogs’ wild card, he has posted a 5-1 record with a team-leading 2.79 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings across 10 appearances, including five starts. Smith, a sophomore, has recorded two saves and limited opposing hitters to a minuscule .191 batting average this year.

The Bullard, Texas, native is 2-1 with a 4.19 ERA in SEC play, racking up 31 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings of work across five appearances, including one start. Both of his saves this season have come against SEC opponents.