CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel's ace Will Holmes signed a undrafted free-agent contract with the Atlanta Braves.
 
The Inman, S.C., native enjoyed a five-year career with the Bulldogs, posting a 13-10 overall record, 179.1 innings pitched, a 3.91 ERA, and 217 strikeouts. Holmes recorded a historic campaign on the mound for The Citadel as the Bulldogs' top arm. He finished the regular season with a 6-4 overall record, including a 3-2 mark in conference play. Holmes posted a competitive 4.19 ERA over 77.1 innings, allowing 56 hits and 36 earned runs while recording a career-high 99 strikeouts.
 
Holmes was named to the first-team All-Southern Conference, becoming the first starting pitcher since JP Sears in 2017 to earn first-team All-SoCon honors. Holmes started the 2026 Southern Conference Baseball championship game, throwing 7.0 innings, allowing two hits and one earned run, and striking out 10. He earned a spot on the 2026 South Conference All-Tournament team as well.
 
Early in the Bulldogs' Southern Conference Championship opener against VMI, Holmes joined elite company by becoming the 14th member of The Citadel's single-season 100-strikeout club, joining names such as Asher Wojciechowski, JP Sears and James Reeves.
 
"What a signing for Atlanta! I could talk about all the stuff Will has: a left-handed power arm, the ability to spin the ball, and a developing changeup, but to me, it's his makeup that separates him. The kind of teammate he is on and off the field," said pitching coach James Reeves. "He is a competitor who wants the ball, has experienced adversity, and helped lead a program to a championship. His willingness and ability to battle through injuries and tough times will serve him well in the minor leagues. He is an individual who values development, and I have zero doubt he will make the most of this opportunity. He isn't just a pro guy; he's a future big leaguer."