Coming out of high school, Pearl initially committed to play for the Northern Illinois Huskies.
[3][4] In Pearl's first season in 2018, he decided to redshirt and played in two games as a defensive end.
[8] During the 2022 season, Pearl was a part of a Fighting Illini offensive line that were semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award.
[9] During the 2022 season, Pearl started 12 games for the Fighting Illini, where he was named an honorable mention all Big-Ten selection.
[19] On December 10, 2024, the Cleveland Browns signed Pearl to their practice squad.