Tennessee football lost significant defensive production from last season, but the Vols still bring back one of the SEC’s top edge rushers, according to last year’s Pro Football Focus grades.
Senior edge rusher Joshua Josephs returns as one of the highest-graded players at his position in the conference, earning an impressive 89.8 grade in 2024.
That mark stands as the best among returning players on Tennessee’s defensive line and ranks second in the SEC, trailing only Florida’s Tyreak Sapp.
Auburn’s Keldric Faulk (83.8), Texas’ Colin Simmons (82.6), and Texas A\&M’s Cashuys Howell (82.4) follow Tennessee’s Joshua Josephs to round out the top five returning edge rushers in the SEC, based on Pro Football Focus grades.
While the Vols will certainly feel the absence of standout edge rusher James Pearce Jr., they have a clear plan to lean on Josephs to help fill the gap. Pearce made his name as a dynamic pass rusher, but Josephs brings a more well-rounded game to the table.
Last season, Josephs led the team in run defense with an elite 91.4 grade and also posted an impressive 86.4 pass rush grade. He recorded 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks, showcasing his versatility and consistency on the edge.
Tennessee’s defense thrived last season by leaning on a physical and disruptive front seven — a formula they’ll likely stick with in 2025. With Josephs anchoring the defensive line, the Vols will look to maintain their edge up front.
They’ll kick off the season with a neutral-site Power Four showdown against Syracuse in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium — a tough early test and a chance to set the tone against a solid ACC opponent.
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