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.

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.

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James Pearce Jr. announced that he has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft as the underclassman deadline approached.

Tennessee junior defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. declared for the 2025 NFL draft on Wednesday. He will forgo his senior season in 2025 with the Vols. Pearce Jr. is projected as a first-round selection in the 2025 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.

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

Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Wednesday night. Pearce announced the news on his Twitter page. He figures to be one of the more coveted defensive prospects in the draft.