Texas A&M defensive lineman Walter Nolen is entering the transfer portal.

The 6-foot-4 sophomore spent two seasons in College Station after signing with the program as a 5-star recruit in the 2022 class. He appeared in 10 games as a freshman last season, then played in all 12 games this year.

He’ll have three years to play two at his next school and will surely have no shortage of suitors.

 

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Nolen was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, per the industry-generated 247 Composite. The Powell (Tenn.) High product took official visits to Florida, Michigan, and Tennessee during his high school recruitment. More than 20 other Power Five schools had interest as well.

He produced 37 tackles this season and 29 last year. He has 11 career tackles for loss, five sacks, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble.

This fall, Nolen was the highest-graded tackler on the team, per PFF, and finished fifth in total quarterback pressures. He was the sixth-highest-graded defender overall, among qualified players.

Texas A&M will open a new era next year under coach Mike Elko. Reports also surfaced on Sunday that defensive line coach Elijah Robinson is leaving College Station to become the new defensive coordinator for Syracuse.