Furman defensive end Joshua Stoneking enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.
The redshirt sophomore was one of the biggest disruptors in the FCS, racking up 79 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, nine QB hurries, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. Stoneking’s TFLs and sacks both ranked No. 1 in the FCS.
He piled up accolade after accolade.
The All-SoCon First Team selection also earned six different First Team All-American honors. Stoneking was voted the FCS ADA National Defensive Player of the Year. And he finished No. 2 in Buck Buchanan Award voting.
Mercer defensive end Andrew Zock won the Buck with 133 voting points, Stoneking tallied 119 points, and Fordham linebacker James Conway finished with 78 points.
The 6-foot-3 and 258-pounder registered at least one TFL in 11 of 12 games. He had multiple TFLs in six games, including three at Clemson. Against SoCon champ Mercer, Stoneking recorded a season-high 10 tackles.
Stoneking’s 87.3 overall PFF grade ranked No. 7 among FCS edge defenders.
Furman finished 6-6 overall last year and 4-4 in the SoCon. The Paladins return 11 starters in 2026, highlighted by their star defensive end.
