Tennessee's Pearce declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced Wednesday.

The 21-year-old is projected to be a first-round pick and one of the top pass-rushers to come off the board. Pearce will skip his senior year to enter the NFL after three seasons with the Volunteers.

Pearce became a full-time starter as a sophomore after playing sparingly in his freshman season. In 2024, Pearce had 55 pressures, 43 hurries, 13 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks in 13 games, according to PFF.

The six-foot-five, 243-pound pass-rusher has been a key player on Tennessee's defense over the last two seasons. The Volunteers finished seventh in the nation in points allowed this campaign and reached the College Football Playoff after a 10-2 regular-season record.

Pearce earned first-team All-SEC honors in each of his last two years. He finishes his college career with 70 tackles, 19 sacks, and three forced fumbles.