GAINESVILLE, Fla. – One day after releasing its 2026 Preseason All-Americans, Baseball America dropped its SEC College Baseball Preview detailing projected standings, top draft prospects and preseason players of the year. Among those honored was Florida junior Liam Peterson, who was named the publication’s Preseason SEC Pitcher of the Year.

It has been a busy winter for Peterson, who has already twice been tabbed a First Team Preseason All-American by Baseball America and Perfect Game. The Palm Harbor, Fla. native was also one of 20 players included on Baseball America’s Preseason College Pitcher of the Year Watch List.

Here is what Baseball America had to say about its selection of Peterson as the SEC’s top hurler entering the campaign:

Two years of refinement have led Peterson into his draft season as the top-ranked starting pitcher in the country, a distinction he is aware of and does not take lightly. The 6-foot-5 righty is armed with a fastball that tickles triple digits and explodes out of his uniquely high 6-foot-7 release point. His slider, changeup and curveball all flash plus, and he added a two-seam variant this offseason to challenge righthanders—an addition inspired by former Gator and current Atlanta Brave Hurston Waldrep. If Peterson can live around the strike zone in 2026, he will be a tough act to top at the national level, not just in the SEC.

Peterson finished his sophomore 2025 campaign ranked 20th nationally and fifth in the SEC with 12.5 strikeouts per nine – the third-highest, single-season rate in program history. Pitching in 16 games including 15 weekend starts as staff ace, the Palm Harbor, Fla. native logged an 8-4 record, 4.28 ERA, .250 batting average against and 3.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Pacing the Gators in wins, starts and strikeouts, the flame-throwing righty tossed a career-high four quality starts and fanned 11 or more batters in three separate outings.

The Gators are currently in week four of preseason practice, with all practices and scrimmages free to attend and open to the public. Florida opens up the 2026 season at home on Friday, Feb. 13 with the first contest of a three-game series against UAB. Season tickets and SEC Saturday Packs are currently on sale and can be accessed via the baseball ticketing home.

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