STARKVILLE, MS – September 27, 2025 – Defensive lineman Joshua Josephs #19 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Former Tennessee football stars are leaving their marks in the NFL preseason. This included an early game on Saturday between the Lions and Commanders.
In Detroit’s 17-13 win, it gave up an early touchdown. Former Vol Joshua Josephs scooped up a fumble in the end zone for a defensive score for Washington less than a minute into the game. The quarterback who coughed the ball up was former UT quarterback Josh Dobbs, too.
Dobbs had a solid day despite the rocky start, though. He completed 7-of-12 passes for 74 yards, no touchdowns and one pick. He also ran twice for 53 yards and a score.
Joshua Josephs scored a touchdown on this play https://t.co/OdRjxNQars pic.twitter.com/78Vp9GGx5E
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 22, 2026
Joshua Josephs TD!!!#NFLVols
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CQaIX6Uk3Q
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 22, 2026
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Josephs joins Washington after being a four-year player at Tennessee. During his career, he racked up 104 total tackles, eight pass deflections, 9.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He is coming off a senior season in which he produced 33 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown in 11 games played.
While James Pearce Jr. was the Vols’ spotlight EDGE rusher in 2024, Josephs still played very well. That year, he played in all 13 games, including the College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State. He recorded 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Josephs is looking to earn a rotational role on the Commanders’ defense as a rookie. He was selected by Washington in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 147th overall pick.