Tennessee Vols senior defensive lineman Joshua Josephs had a big time game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs this past weekend.

Josephs totaled nine tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in the Vols’ 41-34 overtime win against the Bulldogs.

The Georgia native also returned a fumble for a touchdown.

Joshua Josephs' first career TD for the #Vols.

Good to know they can respond and not collapse in these moments. pic.twitter.com/oJSTR3lOoi

— Emilie Rae Cochrane (@EmCochranetv) September 27, 2025

Joshua Josephs receives impressive honor after performance against Mississippi State

As a result of Josephs’ big game against the Bulldogs, he was named by the Senior Bowl as the defensive player of the week.

? Defensive Player of the Week ?

Tennessee’s Joshua Josephs (@joshuajosephs2) had 9 tackles and turned his elite defense into offense with a fumble return for a touchdown that swung momentum in an overtime conference win on the road. #TheDraftStartsinMobile pic.twitter.com/8AP8jUw1Lb

— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) September 29, 2025

Josephs is off to a quick start in his senior season. The former four-star recruit has 22 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles through the first five games of the season (Josephs had 5.5 total sacks over his first three seasons at Tennessee).

This is a big season for Josephs. Not only can he help the Vols accomplish some special things this fall, but he could also greatly improve his NFL draft stock.

Before the season Pro Football Focus, in fact, suggested that Josephs could play himself into a first round selection with a big season in 2025.

So far, that’s exactly what the senior defensive lineman is doing this season.

Tennessee Volunteers News

‘I just started talking trash’ – Vols DB hilariously describes the biggest moment of Tennessee’s win against Mississippi State

The Tennessee Vols flipped the momentum during a critical part of the game in their 41-34 overtime win against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs earned a first down after converting a fake punt. The Vols were trailing 24-20 at the time, and after the fake […]

Zach Ragan