Ole Miss Defensive Lineman Walter Nolen Earns First Team All-America Honors .
In the 2024 college football season, Walter Nolen, a junior defensive tackle for the Ole Miss Rebels, achieved the prestigious honor of being named a consensus All-American. This accolade is reserved for players who secure first-team All-America selections from a majority of recognized organizations, underscoring Nolen’s exceptional performance on the field.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on October 14, 2003, in Memphis, Tennessee, Nolen’s football journey began at Olive Branch High School in Mississippi. He later transferred to Saint Benedict at Auburndale in Memphis for his junior year before concluding his high school career at Powell High School in Powell, Tennessee. During his senior year at Powell, Nolen’s dominance was evident as he amassed 93 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 27 quarterback hurries, and 17 sacks, leading his team to a Class 5A state championship. His outstanding performance earned him the title of 2021 USA Today High School Defensive Football Player of the Year.
Collegiate Career
Nolen began his collegiate journey at Texas A&M University in 2022, where he played two seasons, appearing in 22 games and starting 14. During his tenure with the Aggies, he recorded 66 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks. In December 2023, seeking new challenges and opportunities, Nolen transferred to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
Impactful Season at Ole Miss
In his sole season with the Rebels, Nolen’s impact was immediate and profound. Starting all 13 games at defensive tackle, he anchored a defense that led the nation in both sacks (52) and tackles for loss (120). Nolen contributed significantly with 48 total tackles, including 14 tackles for loss (ranking him tied for the team lead) and 6.5 sacks. Additionally, he recorded four quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. His performance was particularly stellar in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, where he led all conference defenders with 12 tackles for loss and ranked fifth with six sacks.
Recognition and Honors
Nolen’s exceptional play did not go unnoticed. He was named a first-team All-American by esteemed organizations such as the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, USA Today, ESPN, and The Athletic. These honors culminated in his recognition as a consensus All-American, making him the 14th player in Ole Miss football history to receive this distinction and only the third defensive player to do so, joining the ranks of Patrick Willis (2006) and Senquez Golson (2014).
Beyond All-America honors, Nolen was a finalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s best college interior lineman. He was also a semifinalist for both the Bednarik Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, further highlighting his status as one of the premier defensive players in college football.
Future Prospects
Following his standout junior season, Nolen declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, expressing his intention to pursue a professional career. Despite this decision, he remained committed to his team, participating in the Gator Bowl on January 2, 2025, where the Rebels secured a victory over Duke. Nolen’s combination of size, athleticism, and on-field production has positioned him as a highly anticipated prospect in the upcoming draft.
Walter Nolen’s journey from a high school standout to a consensus All-American at Ole Miss exemplifies his dedication, talent, and impact on the game. As he transitions to the professional level, his collegiate legacy serves as a testament to his prowess and potential for continued success in the NFL.
