Tennessee football will be without one of its top defensive players for its upcoming Music City Bowl clash with Illinois. According to a report from VolQuest, edge rusher Joshua Josephs has opted out of the bowl game in preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Josephs did not have the option to return for next season with no remaining eligibility. He played four seasons with the Vols and developed into a strong run defender and pass rusher at the LEO position. This is the same spot that Byron Young and James Pearce Jr. played under Josh Heupel before going on to have success early in their NFL careers.
Some mock drafts have projected Josephs to go as early as a first-round selection. However, the majority have him slotted as a second-day pick in either the second or third round. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has him ranked as the No. 7 outside linebacker in the draft class in his December big board heading into bowl season.
Josephs is the fifth Tennessee player to opt out of the bowl game as they prepare for the NFL draft. He joins cornerback Jermod McCoy, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, linebacker Arion Carter and cornerback Colton Hood.
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Josephs is coming off a senior season in which he produced 33 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown in 11 games played. He was named the Panini Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week for his game against Mississippi State, in which he scored his lone touchdown.
As a junior, he shone behind Pearce. That year, he played in all 13 games, including the College Football Playoffs loss to Ohio State. He recorded 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
As a sophomore in 2023, Josephs managed 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. As a true freshman in 2022, he posted 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
Josephs is from Kennesaw, Georgia. He was considered a four-star prospect by both 247 and On3.
