Tennessee football is gearing up for a promising season under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel, now in his fourth year.
With expectations high, the Volunteers are poised as potential contenders for the College Football Playoff, aiming to secure a spot in the newly expanded 12-team format. A significant factor in their anticipated success lies in their improved defense, an area that has struggled in previous seasons under Heupel.
This year, however, the defense is anchored by a standout player, James Pearce Jr., who has been recognized as the best player in college football by ESPN.
James Pearce Jr., a junior defensive lineman and edge rusher, is widely regarded as one of the top talents in the sport. As the leader of Tennessee’s defense, Pearce is expected to make a substantial impact, not only in guiding the Vols to playoff contention but also in positioning himself as a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
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His exceptional abilities have placed him at the forefront of draft boards and made him a player to watch this season.
In ESPN’s ranking of the top 100 college football players for 2024, Pearce earned the number one spot, surpassing other highly touted athletes such as Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, Colorado’s dual-threat Travis Hunter, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, and Missouri receiver Luther Burden, who rounded out the top five.
Despite having started only three career games, Pearce’s impact on the field has been undeniable. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 243 pounds, he has established himself as the nation’s premier pass rusher.
His performance in the past two seasons, which includes 16.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, earned him first-team All-SEC honors last year, recognized by both the AP and coaches.
ESPN highlights his potential as a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, noting his impressive 38 total pressures, which ranked fifth nationally.
