In 2024, ESPN ranked Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. as the top player in all of college football, a remarkable ascent for a player who had started only three games prior to that season. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 243 pounds, Pearce’s combination of size, speed, and technique made him a dominant force on the field. In his first full season as a starter, he led the SEC with 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His 19% pressure rate ranked third nationally, and he created pressure within 2.5 seconds on 10% of his pass rushes, also third in the country.
Pearce’s impact wasn’t limited to pass rushing; he also excelled against the run, recording 10 run stops, making him one of only 12 defenders nationally—and one of only two in the SEC—with double-digit run stops and sacks. His versatility and consistency earned him first-team All-SEC honors and recognition as a semifinalist for prestigious awards such as the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Walter Camp Player of the Year.
After declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, Pearce was projected as a top-10 pick, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranking him as the No. 3 outside linebacker prospect. His remarkable rise from an unranked recruit to the top player in college football underscores his exceptional talent and work ethic, making him one of the most compelling prospects in recent memory.
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