Michael Allen 
Joshua Josephs flexes his muscles after a big play
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Tennessee defensive end Joshua Josephs is poised for a breakout senior year after a standout junior campaign. Could he be the Vols’ next first-round NFL Draft pick?
Joshua Josephs has been turning heads since the day he arrived on campus in Knoxville. Now entering his senior season, the Tennessee defensive end is poised to become the next great NFL prospect from the Vols’ defensive front — possibly even a first-round pick.
A native of Kennesaw, Georgia, Josephs came to Tennessee with high expectations and made an immediate impact. As a true freshman, he appeared in 12 of 13 games in a rotational role, consistently flashing speed off the edge and raw talent that made coaches and fans alike take notice.
He built on that foundation in his sophomore campaign, once again playing in 12 games. His progress was evident week to week, with improved discipline, technique, and play recognition that suggested he was on the verge of a breakout.
That breakout came in 2024.
Starting opposite All-American pass rusher James Pearce Jr., Josephs cemented himself as a game-wrecker in his own right. He was consistently disruptive off the edge, drawing extra attention from opposing offenses and creating opportunities for teammates. By season’s end, Josephs had not only become a fixture on one of the SEC’s most intimidating defenses — he was statistically among the best in the nation.
He finished the year graded as the third-highest defensive player in the SEC, and the 11th-highest in the entire FBS, according to Pro Football Focus. That kind of production, especially playing across from a star like Pearce, speaks volumes about his talent and consistency.
Now, with Pearce off to the NFL as a top-10 draft pick, it’s Josephs’ turn to be the headline act on Tennessee’s veteran defensive line. He enters 2025 as the unquestioned leader of the Vols’ front four — and the focus of every offensive coordinator on the schedule.
The big question now: can Josephs take that next step and become Tennessee’s next first-round selection?
He has the measurables. At 6’3″ and over 240 pounds with an explosive first step, Josephs checks many of the physical boxes NFL scouts look for. He also has the experience, having played in 36 games over three seasons, and the film to back it up — especially from last season.
But with heightened attention comes increased pressure. Offensive schemes will look to neutralize him with double teams, chip blocks, and quicker passes. To rise above that and dominate anyway — the way elite edge rushers do — Josephs will need to showcase not just athleticism, but a deep bag of pass-rushing moves and relentless motor.
If he can do that, his name could be called early on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Tennessee fans have seen it before with players like Derek Barnett and more recently with Pearce Jr. Now, Joshua Josephs has a chance to add his name to that legacy — and perhaps become the next Vol to hear his name announced under the bright lights of the NFL Draft’s first round.
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