The Tennessee Volunteers football program received a boost of optimism this past week, thanks to a meaningful comment from rising senior edge rusher Joshua Josephs. His statement struck a chord with UT fans and offered insight into the mindset of a player who’s focused on team success above personal accolades.
Josephs, a former four-star prospect, joined the Volunteers as part of the 2022 recruiting class. In his first three seasons with the program, he’s contributed steadily, recording 71 tackles and 5.5 sacks. While these numbers reflect consistent performance, Josephs hasn’t yet had a breakout year. However, that could change soon. With standout pass rusher James Pearce Jr. expected to depart for the NFL after the 2024 season, Josephs is primed to take on a larger role in Tennessee’s defensive scheme in 2025.
During a recent media availability, Josephs was asked an intriguing question: What would it take for him to look back on his college career and feel he had an “amazing story”? Rather than citing personal statistics, awards, or draft projections, Josephs responded with a goal that resonates deeply with Vol Nation — winning a national championship.
His exact words were: “I don’t know how I could answer that because I don’t know what it would take. Really, I don’t know what it would be until I feel accomplished. If we win that natty, when we win that natty, then I’ll say my story’s been good.”
This powerful response reflects a team-first attitude that fans and coaches alike love to hear. For Josephs, individual success is secondary to the team’s ultimate goal — bringing home a national title. That kind of mentality is crucial for any championship-contending program. It suggests that Josephs sees his own growth and fulfillment not through personal milestones, but through the success of the collective unit.
In an era where college athletes are often measured by their individual achievements — such as sack totals, NFL Draft projections, and NIL deals — Josephs’ answer is refreshing. It highlights a rare humility and maturity. Instead of focusing on what the upcoming season could do for his own future, he’s thinking about what it could mean for Tennessee football as a whole.
This attitude could serve him well, both on and off the field. By committing to team success, Josephs is putting himself in a position to make the kinds of plays that will naturally draw the attention of NFL scouts. With Pearce likely gone, Josephs will have more opportunities to shine as a leader on defense. Increased playing time and responsibility could lead to the kind of production that boosts his stock in the eyes of pro teams. But clearly, that’s not his driving motivation.
The emphasis Josephs placed on team accomplishment speaks volumes about his character and competitive spirit. He knows that championship-caliber teams are built on unity, shared goals, and selflessness. Players who place the team above themselves often end up being the ones who contribute most meaningfully when it matters most — in big games, during playoff runs, and when facing adversity.
For Tennessee fans, hearing this from a key defensive player is encouraging. It shows that the culture being built under head coach Josh Heupel is resonating with the players. The goal isn’t just to produce NFL talent, though that certainly helps with recruiting — the aim is to bring a national title back to Knoxville, something the program hasn’t achieved since 1998.
The fact that Josephs referred to winning the championship not as an “if” but a “when” speaks to the belief he has in the program’s direction. That quiet confidence, coupled with a hunger to be part of something greater than himself, is exactly what teams need to make a serious title push.
It also serves as a message to his teammates. Leadership isn’t just about what you say in the locker room or how loud you are on the field — sometimes it’s about the values you express when no one expects a profound answer. Josephs had the opportunity to talk about himself, to market his own journey or hint at personal goals, but he didn’t. Instead, he aligned himself with a vision that every Volunteer supporter can rally behind.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Tennessee’s defense to see how they adjust following the likely departure of Pearce. Josephs will be central to that transition. His performance on the field will be key, but so will his ability to inspire confidence and unity among his fellow defenders. His words indicate he’s ready for that responsibility.
It’s also worth noting how his mindset can be contagious. When one player vocalizes a clear, selfless objective — especially one as lofty as winning a national championship — it can set the tone for an entire locker room. It tells younger players what the expectations are. It gives returning veterans a reason to double down on their efforts. And it helps create a culture where the team’s goals come first, always.
Ultimately, Josephs’ focus on winning a championship is a powerful reminder of what college football is really about — legacy, tradition, and pride in representing something bigger than yourself. For him, success won’t be measured by awards or stats alone. It will be defined by whether or not he helped bring championship glory back to a fanbase hungry for it.
Vols fans can take pride in knowing that one of their emerging leaders has his priorities in order. If more players adopt the same outlook as Josephs, Tennessee could very well find itself in the national title conversation sooner rather than later. For now, fans can feel encouraged that their team has players who truly understand what it takes to reach the sport’s highest level — and who are willing to put the team first in that pursuit.
