Tennessee will be missing a key piece of its defense when it takes the field in the Music City Bowl against Illinois. Edge rusher Joshua Josephs has officially opted out of the game as he turns his full focus toward preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Josephs, who wrapped up his eligibility after four seasons in Knoxville, leaves behind a solid legacy as a disruptive force off the edge. Playing at the LEO position-a hybrid role that’s become a staple in Josh Heupel’s defensive scheme-Josephs followed in the footsteps of Byron Young and James Pearce Jr., both of whom parlayed their time in this role into early NFL success. Now, Josephs is looking to do the same.
While some mock drafts have floated Josephs as a potential first-rounder, the consensus has him projected as a Day 2 pick-likely in the second or third round. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. currently ranks him as the No. 7 outside linebacker in the 2026 draft class, according to his December big board.
Josephs becomes the fifth Volunteer to sit out the bowl game in favor of draft prep, joining cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, and linebacker Arion Carter. That’s a significant chunk of talent opting out, but it’s also a reflection of the program’s ability to develop NFL-caliber players across multiple positions.
Looking at Josephs’ senior season, it’s clear why scouts are intrigued. In 11 games, he racked up 33 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and even found the end zone once. That touchdown came in a standout performance against Mississippi State, earning him Panini Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week honors.
His production wasn’t a one-year wonder, either. As a junior, Josephs was a steady contributor behind James Pearce Jr., logging 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries across 13 games-including Tennessee’s College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State. Even in a rotational role, he found ways to impact the game.
Josephs began carving out a role as early as his sophomore season in 2023, when he posted 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. As a true freshman in 2022, he showed flashes of his potential with 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
A native of Kennesaw, Georgia, Josephs came to Tennessee as a four-star recruit, ranked highly by both 247 and On3. Over four seasons, he steadily developed into a complete edge defender-strong against the run, quick off the snap, and increasingly disruptive in the backfield.
With his college career now in the rearview mirror, all eyes turn to the draft process. His resume is strong, his film is compelling, and his skill set fits what NFL teams are looking for in modern edge defenders. The Music City Bowl will go on without him, but Josephs’ next chapter is just beginning-and it’s one scouts will be watching closely.