James Pearce Jr. Could Emerge as CFB Superstar

Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. made a lot of fans during the past college football season. He emerged onto the scene as a dominant speed rusher capable of taking over a game, one of the most valuable commodities in the sport. He notched 27 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pick-6 during his sophomore season, making him an elite prospect ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Pearce was a consensus SEC first-teamer during 2023 and should be considered for preseason All-American status on every major list. 247Sports reviewed who could be the next superstars in the sport, citing 16 names, including Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Pearce joined his quarterback on the list, and he carries the bill as one of the best defensive players in the sport.

"Pearce won't be a new name to most SEC fans, given that he posted sacks in all but two league games last season. But he's someone that could soon burst onto the national consciousness because of his status as one of the preeminent edge rushers with an eye toward the 2025 NFL Draft. Pearce had a breakout sophomore season for Tennessee last year, posting 28 tackles (24 1/2 for loss) and 10 sacks. Dallas Turner earned much of the praise as the SEC's top edge rusher, but Pearce posted a pressure every 8.9 snaps compared to every 11.7 for Turner. Pearce has an ideal pass rusher's frame at 6-foot-5, 242 pounds and should have scouts drooling about him this time next year." 247Sports' Chris Hummer on James Pearce Jr.