After a strong showing in Tennessee football’s overtime win over Mississippi State, edge rusher Joshua Josephs is getting much-deserved praise. The latest honor he’s notched is Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week.
Josephs was a key piece of the Vols’ defense in the victory, playing 42 snaps at the team’s LEO position. He recorded a career-high nine tackles, three of which were solo, and 1.5 tackles for loss in the game. Most notably, he scooped up a fumble caused by Tyre West on a sack and returned it for a crucial touchdown late in the game. This came on the following play after the Bulldogs converted on a potentially back-breaking fake punt.
“It’s like an oh shit moment,” Josephs said. “Instincts just kick in when it happens like that. I was glad he was able to get that sack and forced fumble. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have gotten it.”
TYRE WEST WITH THE HIT.
JOSHUA JOSEPHS WITH THE SCOOP AND SCORE.
VOLS RETAKE THE LEAD! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/owVjw0vlvJ
— FOX Sports Knoxville (@FOXSportsKnox) September 27, 2025
More From RTI: This Graph Shows Just How Close Tennessee Football’s Win At Mississippi State Was
On the year, Josephs has earned 22 tackles, which is the most of any defensive lineman on the team. His 5.5 tackles for loss also led the entire defense. So far, he’s racked up three sacks, tied for the team-high, as well.
Josephs plays the LEO position, which has churned out some elite NFL prospects under Josh Heupel. Byron Young is already taking over the NFL as one of the best outside linebackers in the league. As a rookie, James Pearce Jr. is off to a nice start after being selected in the first round.
Josephs is being looked at as a serious draft prospect that continues to climb up boards. While he hasn’t appeared on first-round mock drafts yet, a few other Vols have. Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood and wide receiver Chris Brazzell are surging up their position groups on big boards.
Next, Tennessee has an open date this weekend to prepare for Arkansas. The Razorbacks head to Neyland Stadium after firing their head coach, Sam Pittman, though. The Head Hog will be an interim in Bobby Petrino come next Saturday. Kickoff is at 4:15 p.m. ET and will air on the SEC Network.
