Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen declares for NFL Draft, is ‘fully committed to finishing this season strong with my brothers’ in Gator Bowl

OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, as expected, announced on Monday via social media that he is declaring for the NFL Draft. Nolen is projected to be a first-round pick, so it’s not at all surprising he is headed to the draft.

What might be surprising, though, is Nolen’s intent to play in the January 2nd Gator Bowl with his teammates.

“First off, I want to thank God. His grace and blessings have been with me every step of the way, and I wouldn’t be here without Him. 

To Coach Kiffin, thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to represent this incredible program. To Coach Golding, thank you for challenging me to be the best version of myself every day. To Coach Joyner, thank you for pouring into me, day in and day out. You all pushed me to heights I didn’t know I could reach, and for that, I am eternally grateful. To the entire Ole Miss coaching staff, thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and helping me grown on and off the field. I wouldn’t be here without all of your guidance and support.

I also want to thank Elijah Robinson & the rest of the Texas A&M coaching staff for the role they played in my journey. My time there taught me so much and helped shape me into the player and person I am today. 

To my teammates, you are my brothers for life. The battles we fought together and the memories we made on and off the field will stay with me forever. You made me better, and I am so proud to have shared this journey with you. 

I’m fully committed to finishing this season strong with my brothers and being there with them. There’s nothing I want more than to take the field with them one last time and bring home our 10th win in front of our amazing fans. 

Finally, to Ole Miss and the fans — thank you for welcoming me into a family I’ll never forget. From the moment I stepped on campus, your love and support made every game and moment special. I’ll carry the memories, lessons, and pride of being a Rebel with me forever. 

After much prayer, reflection, and discussions with my family, I am humbled and excited to announce that I am declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. “

Walter Nolen

The Nolen File

Today, it was announced that Nolen has been named First Team All-America by the Associated Press. Last week, Nolen was named a Walter Camp All-America player as a second team defensive lineman. This is already the fourth All-America honor for the Coaches All-SEC first-team member Nolen, who has landed on All-America squads by The Athletic (first team), CBS Sports/247Sports (second team) and the College Football Network (honorable mention).

AP All-America Team 🇺🇸🫡#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/YZAXVaa1hS

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) December 16, 2024

Nolen ranks among the best interior lineman in the nation, as evidenced by his additional appearance tonight as a finalist for the Outland Trophy. This season, Nolen is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss at 14.0, ranks third on the team with 6.5 sacks and fifth on the team at 48 total tackles – alongside three pass breakups, three QB hurries and two fumble recoveries.

In SEC play, Nolen leads all conference defenders at 12.0 TFL and ranks tied for fifth at 6.0 sacks. In the PFF metrics, Nolen ranks as the No. 5 run stopper in all of college football at a 91.7 season grade – which ranks second among interior defensive linemen and leads all SEC linemen.

Congrats to Walter. Go be great!

Hotty Toddy!