Tennessee star defensive end James Pearce Jr. is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced late on Wednesday just before the declaration deadline for underclassmen. Pearce emerged as one of the top edge rushers in college football over the past two seasons while helping the Volunteers take significant defensive strides.

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Dylan Sampson had been the lone junior from Tennessee's 2024 roster to leave the Volunteers early for the NFL. Then the obvious happened.

James Pearce, a 6-foot-5, 243-pounder, is among the top pass rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is as a projected first-round pick.

Tennessee football watched James Pearce Jr. thrash the trenches during the Volunteers’ College Football Playoff run. The Vols learned Wednesday night what his 2025 destination will be between Knoxville or the NFL Draft.

The Tennessee Volunteers watched James Pearce go from former four-star talent to a projected first rounder. The latest Mock Drafts have him inside the top-15.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - As expected, James Pearce’s days as a Volunteer are over announcing that he will pass up his senior season and enter the NFL Draft where he’s expected to be a 1st round pick.