Reports: Nation’s No. 1 Overall Transfer Portal Player DL Walter Nolen Set to Visit Ole Miss on Friday

OXFORD, Miss. — Head coach Lane Kiffin is proving his mettle once again as the ‘Portal King,’ as multiple sources indicate Coach Kiffin and company are set to receive a visit from the No. 1 overall player in the transfer portal, defensive lineman Walter Nolen. (Chad Simmons of On3 first reported this.)

On3’s Zach Berry is reporting Nolen will be in Oxford on Friday.

Texas A&M transfer defensive lineman Walter Nolen has a date locked in for his trip to Ole Miss. He will be in Oxford on Friday, per @Zach_Berry. https://t.co/5mrrUVcsUh pic.twitter.com/iBGrwxkSpq

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 13, 2023

🚨NEWS: Texas A&M DL transfer Walter Nolen will visit Ole Miss this week, @ChadSimmons_ confirms👀

Nolen visited Oregon over the weekend. https://t.co/mDpvOD1SNP pic.twitter.com/4PRVew8qDF

— On3 (@On3sports) December 11, 2023

Nolen’s visit comes on the heels of the Rebels already landing the No. 1 JUCO wide receiver in Deion Smith, the No. 1 transfer portal linebacker in Chris Paul, and the No. 4-ranked transfer portal cornerback in Taz Nicholson. 

High School Standout

Coming out of high school, Nolen was one of the most coveted 5-star recruits of the class of 2022. The 6-foot-4, 285-pounder ranked as the No. 2 overall athlete, No.1 defensive lineman and No. 1 prospect out of Tennessee. He played at three high schools during his career before heading to College Station to play for the Aggies and Jimbo Fisher. 

(Click here for our TRANSFER PORTAL TRACKER to stay updated on all the Rebels’ comings and goings!)

As a high school freshman and sophomore, Nolen played for Olive Branch (Miss). He helped them finish 9-4 and reach a Mississippi 6A 2nd-round playoff appearance during his sophomore season. He later spent his junior season at Saint Benedict in Memphis before closing out his high school career at Powell in Powell, Tennessee. There, the Tennessee Player of the Year helped lead the Panthers to a 13-2 record along with their first  5A Tennessee State Championship. He tallied 83 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 27 quarterback hurries, and six forced fumbles.

The #Aggies have a scary combination on the way, Travis Hunter was more effective on defense, future #Mizzou stars impress and more. @RivalsFriedman shares what we learned Saturday at the Under Armour All-America Game. https://t.co/CyW3ghhPSZ pic.twitter.com/AtGH5dB3Ma

— Rivals (@Rivals) January 2, 2022

It’s a sack party in the 4Q. Another big play by @WalterNolen4 pic.twitter.com/S8bRTkbiOX

— C. John Chavis (@CJohnChavis) December 4, 2021

In Aggieland

After two seasons with the Aggies in College Station and the recent firing of head coach Jimbo Fisher, Nolen decided to reevaluate his options. He is currently ranked the No. 1 defensive lineman available in the portal — and is also the No.1 overall athlete in the portal. 

He quickly became a force in Aggieland. As a true freshman in 2022, Nolen recorded 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack across 10 games. In 2023 he saw action in 12 games where he tallied 37 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks.

Transfer to the ‘Sip?

Despite the plethora of suitors across the country who would love to sign Nolen — including the abovementioned Oregon as well as Texas and Alabama, to name a few, the Rebels will have their chance to show the young man why so many are choosing to ‘transfer to the ‘Sip.’

After spending time at Oregon with head coach Dan Lanning this past weekend, Nolen is set to visit Ole Miss. This visit is huge, and it is a great opportunity for Nolen to return to the state where it all began for him. Stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for updates as they happen!