Joshua Josephs could be Tennessee's next star edge rusher, following in the footsteps of Byron Young and James Pearce.
Or, at least, that’s what people are saying. But Josephs is approaching that challenge with humility.
“A couple of people were telling me that I’m next,” said Josephs, acknowledging a popular assumption around the team. “… But it’s only natural (to be viewed as a standout player) because of the amount of time I’ve played since I’ve been here. So I have no choice but to be OK with it, and I’m perfectly fine with it.”
Edge rushers don’t typically follow a succession plan as closely as quarterbacks, but the Vols transitioned from one really good one to the next.
Young was an All-SEC first-team selection in 2022. He was drafted in the third round by the Los Angeles Rams and made the NFL All-Rookie team.
Pearce was an All-SEC first-team selection in 2023 and 2024. He is projected as a possible first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Josephs, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior, seems like the next logical one in line. He's not asking for that mantle, and he's quick to point out differences between him, Young and Pearce. But he also accepts the role.
“They’re their own people. Byron is an amazing story, an amazing guy. James is an amazing story, an amazing guy,” Josephs said. “At the end of the day, they’ve got different skillsets than me. But I’ve got to keep that high standard (after) they laid that path."
Joshua Josephs quietly had similar season to James Pearce
Here’s the truth, though: Josephs already was a playmaker last season.
But he was simply overshadowed by Pearce, who was regarded as arguably the top defensive player in college football before the 2024 season began. Pearce didn’t reach those lofty expectations, which is why he slipped from a projected top-10 pick to a late first-round selection.
But Pearce and Josephs were very comparable last season.
Pearce had 38 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 464 defensive snaps.
Josephs had 39 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 365 defensive ...
