Tennessee football star edge rusher Joshua Josephs has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft via a post on his Instagram. Josephs was already out of eligibility following the 2025 season and sat out of the Music City Bowl vs. Illinois in preparation for the draft, as well.
“I want to thank Jesus Christ for the position He has put me in,” Josephs wrote. “My mother, brothers and sisters for all that they have poured in to me to get me to this point in my life.
“The University of Tennessee for having faith in someone like me and my teammates for being my brothers over the past couple of years. I appreciate all the love and support I have received since playing football as a kid with the Acworth Warriors. I Thank You.
“With that being said, I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. God bless.”
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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 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 James Pearce Jr. 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.
