Texas A&M Aggies DL Walter Nolen Officially Enters NCAA Transfer Portal

Walter Nolen is leaving College Station following days of speculation regarding his status.

Walter Nolen's time in College Station is at its end. 

According to multiple reports, the sophomore Texas A&M Aggies defensive tackle entered the transfer portal when on Wednesday. It was originally reported that Nolen planned to enter on Monday when the portal opened.

Nolen, the 2022 No. 1 overall defensive recruit, played in 22 games during his two seasons with the Aggies. Last season, he served as a rotational specialist before becoming of the trenches in 2022. 

In 12 games, Nolen totaled 37 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks. His ability to close gaps helped A&M feature one of the top FBS run defenses and added a second element to the pass rush up the middle. 

Nolen, a native of Powell, Tenn., committed to A&M over other top SEC programs, including Florida, Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee. He was the highest-rated recruit to sign with A&M since 2000, and was the headline addition to the Aggies' No. 1 recruiting class in 2022. 

Nolen, who will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school, might be the first of several high-profile defenders from the 2022 class to leave following Elijah Robinson's departure for Syracuse. 

Texas A&M defensive lineman Walter Nolen / USA Today-Sports

Robinson, considered a rising star in coaching circles for his ability to develop and recruit defensive linemen, is expected to join Fran Brown's staff as the Orange's new defensive coordinator. Robinson served as the Aggies' interim coach following the firing of Jimbo Fisher last month. 

When hired, new A&M coach Mike Elko said retaining Robinson to his new staff would be a "priority" for him before the transfer portal window opened. Robinson was influential in landing defensive line talents such as Nolen, LT Overton, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, Shemar Stewart, and DJ Hicks, among others. 

Nolen was the fifth player to announce his intent to enter the transfer portal

Aggies To Face Oklahoma State Cowboys In The Texas Bowl