Joshua Cephus Bio
Joshua Cephus is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays in the Canadian Football League for the Edmonton Elks. He played college football for the UTSA Roadrunners from 2019 to 2023, where he became the program’s all-time leader in receptions and set multiple receiving records. Cephus entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 before joining the Edmonton Elks in 2026.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Cephus was born on March 5, 2001, in Houston, Texas. He attended Dekaney High School in Houston, where he developed into a notable high school football prospect. His football journey began in the Houston area, a city known for producing talented football players at multiple levels of the sport.
Path to American Football
After an impressive high school career at Dekaney High School, Cephus attracted attention from several college programs. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Texas at San Antonio, committing to play for the UTSA Roadrunners in 2019. This decision marked the beginning of his transition from a high school prospect to a collegiate athlete with professional aspirations.
Joshua Cephus Career
College Career (2019–2023)
Joshua Cephus spent five seasons at UTSA developing into one of the most productive receivers in program history. He arrived as a promising freshman in 2019 and steadily improved his production each year. During his sophomore season in 2020, he recorded 58 receptions for 547 yards and five touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target in the Roadrunners offense.
His junior year in 2021 saw further development with 71 receptions for 819 yards and six touchdowns, earning him honorable mention All-Conference USA recognition. The 2022 season marked another significant step forward with 87 receptions for 985 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his consistency and ability to be a primary receiving option. Following this performance, he earned second-team All-Conference USA honors.
Record-Breaking 2023 Season
The 2023 season became the defining chapter of Cephus’s collegiate career. He delivered an exceptional campaign with 89 receptions for 1,151 yards and ten touchdowns, setting the UTSA single-season receiving yards record. In Week Seven against UAB, he recorded seven receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns while setting the Roadrunners career receptions record. Later that season against South Florida, he recorded 163 receiving yards and a touchdown, becoming UTSA’s all-time leader in receiving yards.
His collegiate career concluded with a standout performance in the 2023 Frisco Bowl against Marshall. Cephus recorded seven receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown, earning offensive MVP honors of the bowl game. He finished his UTSA career with 401 receptions for 3,655 yards and 28 touchdowns, setting the program’s career receptions record that still stands. For his exceptional 2023 season, he earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2024–2025)
Despite a productive collegiate career, Joshua Cephus went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2024. He spent most of his rookie season on the team’s practice squad, developing under the NFL’s professional coaching staff. He appeared in one game during the 2024 season while continuing to refine his skills on the practice squad.
On January 6, 2025, Cephus signed a reserve/future contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, indicating the team’s interest in retaining him for the 2025 season. He was waived/injured by the Jaguars on August 20, 2025, ending his tenure with the organization. The Jacksonville stint provided valuable professional experience, even in a limited capacity, as he adapted to the speed and complexity of NFL-level competition.
Edmonton Elks (2026–Present)
Following his time in the NFL, Cephus signed with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League on May 7, 2026. This move represented a new chapter in his professional career, providing an opportunity to continue playing at a high level while potentially showcasing his skills for future NFL consideration. The CFL offers a different style of play with a larger field and different rules, which could benefit a receiver with his skill set.
Joshua Cephus Career Statistics
Joshua Cephus built impressive statistics during his five-year college career at UTSA, accumulating records that highlight his consistency and productivity as a receiver.
UTSA Career Highlights
Across five seasons from 2019 to 2023, Cephus recorded 401 receptions for 3,655 yards and 28 touchdowns. His most productive single season came in 2023 when he earned first-team All-AAC honors. He holds the UTSA career receptions record and the single-season receiving yards record. His 2023 Frisco Bowl MVP performance capped off an exceptional collegiate career.
Career Reception Records
UTSA career receptions record holder with 401 catches. UTSA single-season receiving yards record holder with 1,151 yards set in 2023. UTSA career receiving touchdowns total of 28 touchdowns.
Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Joshua Cephus comes from a football family. His brother, Quintez Cephus, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft. This family connection to the NFL provided Joshua with firsthand insight into the professional football landscape and likely contributed to his development as a player. Having a brother who reached the NFL level offered both inspiration and practical guidance throughout his own journey.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Cephus attended Dekaney High School before embarking on his collegiate career at UTSA. He maintains an active presence on social media with verified accounts on X and Instagram. His journey from Houston to UTSA and eventually to professional football reflects his dedication to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Joshua Cephus’s first full year associated with an NFL franchise under contract. After signing his reserve/future contract in January, he reported to training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars aiming to earn a spot on the active roster. The transition from practice squad player to potential roster member represented the next step in his professional development.
Limited opportunities arose during the 2025 season as Cephus competed against established veterans and other talented receivers on the Jaguars roster. His single-game appearance during his time with the organization provided brief but valuable NFL game experience. The August waiver marked the conclusion of his Jacksonville chapter, though it opened doors to explore other professional opportunities.
The 2025 season experience, though brief, provided Cephus with firsthand knowledge of NFL-level competition, playbook complexity, and professional expectations. This foundation served him well as he pursued opportunities elsewhere, ultimately leading to his signing with the Edmonton Elks in the CFL in 2026.