Ole Miss football defensive lineman makes multiple preseason watchlists

Two preseason watchlists were announced today, with Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen making both. The former Texas A&M player and No.2 ranked transfer is looking for a breakout season with his new team, Ole Miss. The media believe that he might do that after making both watchlists.

The first watchlist he made was for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's best college football interior lineman. The trophy is named after John H. Outland, one of just a few players named All-American at two positions: tackle and halfback. We have seen past winners such as Penei Sewell, Joe Thomas, and Aaron Donald.

Walter Nolen was one of 75 players to be named to the watchlist, including SEC players, center Parker Brailsford (Alabama), offensive tackle Emery Jones (LSU), and defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse (Georgia).

The second preseason watchlist Nolen made was for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Named after Bronko Nagurski, who played defensive tackle and fullback for the University of Minnesota, the trophy is awarded to the best college football defensive player in the nation.

Safety Xavier Watts of Notre Dame won the award in 2023, and former Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. won it back-to-back in 2021 and 2022.

Seventy-five college football defensive players made the list, including safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State), defensive end James Pearce (Tennessee), and Deone Walker (Kentucky).

Both awards will see players added to and removed from the watchlist during the season based on performances. The Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy FWAA members will also announce players of the week throughout the season.

The semi-final list will be announced on Nov. 20, and the three finalists will be announced on Nov. 26. The FWAA will then announce a winner after voting.