Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen has had a stellar season with the Rebels since transferring to the Rebles this past off-season. As he heads off to the NFL, he is collecting several season honors, showing that media outlets recognize his excellent season.
Nolen's latest award was FWAA All-America First Team honors, a significant prize voted by the Football Writers Association of America. Nolen was the only Ole Miss player to make the team, and some of the top writers in college football voted to produce an All-American First and Second team.
Walter Nolen could still suit up in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Ole Miss fans feel a little cheated; they only got to witness one season of Walter Nolen in a Rebels uniform. However, fans did get to see his best season in college football after spending the first two seasons at Texas A&M.
That said, they could still see him suit up one last time for Lane Kiffin. Nolen has already declared for the 2025 NFL Draft but could still play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on January 2.
Several players, including Jaxson Dart, Princely Umanmielen, Trey Amos, and Jordan Watkins, have announced they will play in the Bowl game despite all declaring for the NFL. This is not a common decision for players to make, with most opting out to avoid injury and focus on the draft.
— Princely Umanmielen (@d1princely) December 17, 2024
Walter Nolen hasn't announced on social media if he is, but defensive lineman JJ Pegues recently said, "We are all coming back." Hopefully, he is correct, but whatever his decision, Nolen will be remembered as one of the best defensive linemen Ole Miss has seen in Oxford.