Ole Miss All-American DL Walter Nolen declares for 2025 NFL Draft
Ole Miss All-American defensive lineman Walter Nolen is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced on Instagram on Monday. He said he’s “fully committed” to finishing this season strong, which likely means he’s playing in the Gator Bowl.
“To Ole Miss and the fans — thank you for welcoming me into a family I’ll never forget,” Nolen said in his post. “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.”
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.
In just one year with the Rebels, Nolen has reeled in numerous All-American honors after the season. He’s expected to be among the top NFL Draft picks.
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“He reminds me of Quinnen Williams that we had at ‘Bama, which was a Top 10 draft pick and elite player,” Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding said of Nolen. “When you have a guy like that, they’ve got to plan for him.
“The good thing about that room is we’ve got several good players in that room.”
Nolen is No. 15 on ESPN analyst Mel Kiper’s NFL Draft ‘Big Board.’ He’s one of two projected first-rounders for the Rebels, according to Pro Football Focus. The other is cornerback Trey Amos. Amos spent just one season at Ole Miss, too. He came over from Alabama.
Nolen ranked as the No. 1 player according to the 2022 On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 1 defensive lineman and the No. 11 player in the state of Tennessee.
