Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. Declares for 2025 NFL Draft

The standout defensive end, projected as a first-round pick, forgoes his senior season after a stellar college career.

James Pearce Jr., Tennessee's star edge rusher, announced his decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft via social media on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-5, 243-pound defensive end led Tennessee in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (13) during the 2024 season, earning first-team All-SEC honors for the second consecutive year.
Pearce was instrumental in helping Tennessee achieve a 10-2 regular season record and their first-ever College Football Playoff berth, though the team fell to Ohio State in the first round.
He is widely regarded as a top draft prospect, ranked as high as the eighth-best player overall and fourth-best edge rusher by ESPN analysts, with projections placing him in the mid-to-late first round.
Pearce will have opportunities to further boost his draft stock at the NFL Scouting Combine and Tennessee's pro day in the coming months.