Texas A&M star defensive lineman Walter Nolen set to play against South Carolina after injury scare vs. Tennessee

Despite a significant injury scare during Texas A&M’s loss to Tennessee, it looks like Aggies star defensive lineman Walter Nolen won’t end up having to miss any games.

Nolen, who was carted off against Tennessee with an injury that didn’t turn out to be as bad as initially feared, is set to be OK to play against South Carolina tomorrow, sources tell On3.

Nolen, the No. 1 ranked overall recruit in the 2022 recruiting class, has posted 26 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks through the first seven games of this season. He has recorded 16 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks in A&M’s first four SEC games, including six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks during the Aggies’ 34-22 win over Arkansas Sept. 30.

It comes after Nolen tallied 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack as a freshman for A&M last season. Led by players like Nolen, the Aggies rank second nationally in tackles for loss per game, second in sacks per game, ninth in total defense and 21st in rush defense.

“He’s disruptive,” A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said of Nolen earlier this season. “He can rush the passer as an inside guy. His hands and stuff, he’s getting better and better and better. … He’s disruptive and productive.”

Aggies star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who has also suffered an injury against Tennessee, is also set to play against South Carolina, per sources.

Cooper leads the SEC with 13.5 tackles for loss and ranks fifth in the conference with six sacks. He also leads Texas A&M with 45 tackles.

The Aggies, who had a bye last week after the loss to Tennessee, are a 17-point favorite heading into the matchup against South Carolina.

A&M, which fell to 4-3 with the loss to the Vols, closes the regular season with games against Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Abilene Christian and LSU after the game against South Carolina.