Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Pearce, who made the announcement on social media Wednesday, will forgo his senior season. He projects as a first-round pick in April’s draft.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Pearce recorded a team-best 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season. He also had a career-high 38 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2024.

A two-time All-SEC first-team selection, Pearce posted 19.5 sacks, 29.5 tackles for loss and 71 total tackles in three seasons with the Volunteers.