Ole Miss transfer Walter Nolen named to two exclusive preseason watch lists

Ole Miss made a handful of major splashes in the transfer portal following the 2023 season. But there was no position group that underwent a more dramatic facelift than the defensive line.

Defensive tackle Walter Nolen was one of the most sought after players in the portal. Nolen arrives in Oxford after spending two seasons at Texas A&M where he established himself as a game-wrecker. Last season, Nolen recorded 37 total tackles with four sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.

Entering his junior season, Nolen is poised for a monster season, especially considering he will be lining up next to fellow transfer portal phenom Princely Umanmielen . In fact, Nolen has already been named as a Preseason All-American .

Rebels fans aren't the only ones expecting a breakout campaign from Nolen. Standing at 6-ffot-4 and 290 pounds, it's easy to see why he's generating such preseason buzz. That continued on Tuesday as Nolen was named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List as well as the Bronco Naguski Trophy Preseason Watch List by the Football Writers of America Association.

The Outland Trophy goes to the best interior lineman in the country. It's an award highlights the play in the trenches on both sides of the football making offensive lineman eligible recipients as well. Nolen is one of 75 linemen honored, including one of just 18 players from the SEC and one of 19 defensive tackles.

The Bronco Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the nation's top defensive player annually. Nolen is one of 75 players chosen for the watch list which includes 12 players from the SEC and 12 defensive tackles.

Nolen is one of just 11 players to be named to both watch lists.