Report: Texas Longhorns Reach Out To Former A&M DL Walter Nolen
Texas Longhorns football is all about building for the future while thriving in the present and one player fits the bill for both.
According to 247Sports, the Longhorns contacted and spoke to former Texas A&M defensive lineman Walter Nolen. Nolen is currently the top player listed in the On3 transfer portal rankings.
Nolen, the former top defensive recruit of the 2022 class, officially entered the portal on Wednesday after discussing his future in College Station with new coach Mike Elko. While Elko helped recruit Nolen from Powell, Tenn., Elijah Robinson's coaching in the trenches helped transform him into one of the nation's top defensive linemen.
Robinson was recently hired by Syracuse's Fran Brown as the Orange's new defensive coordinator, thus leading to a mass exodus of defensive players leaving Aggieland, including starting cornerback Tyreek Chappell and defensive lineman Fadil Diggs.
Nolen, who will have two years of eligibility at his next school, could choose to remain in the Lone Star State and join Steve Sarkisian's program in the race for an SEC title come 2024. He'll have options, however. Countless, to say the least.
Michigan and Tennessee are expected to be players in the Nolen sweepstakes. So could Georgia after finishing 29th in run defense this fall. A handful of other programs like Florida, Ohio State, and USC could be dark horses to make a run in pivotal years for their current coaching staff.
Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen (0) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kyle Field.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Longhorns must upgrade their defensive line before entering the SEC if they hope to build off a 12-1 Big 12-title winning season. Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year T'Vondre Sweat and Bryon Murphy will head to the NFL following the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Texas also has been a haven of sorts for defensive linemen under Sarkisian's watch. Last season, both Moro Ojomo and Keondre Coburn were drafted by teams after strong 2022 campaigns. Sweat is expected to garner some first-round buzz with a breakout performance in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., in February.
Nolen is still in the early stages of his decision-making and could even elect to return to A&M after careful consideration. He'll have his pick of the litter, and Texas might win even more than games on the field.
The No. 3 Longhorns take on No. 2 Washington in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024.
