Walter Nolen down to Ole Miss, Oregon; No. 1 transfer portal player nearing decision

Texas A&M sophomore defensive lineman Walter Nolen was the nation's top prospect in the class of 2022

As soon as Texas A&M sophomore defensive lineman Walter Nolen entered the transfer portal earlier this month, he immediately became one of college football's marquee "free agents."

And now his list is down to two.

According to On3, the 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive lineman - and No. 1 overall player in the portal - is down to a final two of Ole Miss and Oregon. 

That final duo is hardly a surprise.

Nolen visited Eugene earlier this month before a trip to Oxford last weekend.

Even more telling, Ole Miss and Oregon have been two of the most active programs in this year's portal - with Lane Kiffin's program putting together an all-time haul and Dan Lanning's crew compiling a stunning list led by Oklahoma senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel and UCLA freshman signal-caller Dante Moore. 

Although Nolen hasn't publicly set a date, a commitment is expected imminently.

And the winner will be getting quite a prize.

Coming out of Powell (Tennessee) in the class of 2023, Nolen was rated the nation's No. 1 overall prospect and flashed plenty of promise and upside in two years at Texas A&M, accumulating 66 tackles, five sacks (four this fall) and a forced fumble. 

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Nolen as a high school prospect:

'Good height and barrel-chested build with massive overall size. Wears significant weight quite well and arrives on campus immediately capable of competing at the high-major level from a physical standpoint. Not only broad and filled out, but owns good length as well. Powerful build manifests in point-of-attack disruption. Flashes consistent suddenness at the snap with playmaking speed-to-power athleticism. Punchy and violent with his hands. Closes fast in pursuit. Shows outstanding lateral range relative to size. Motor runs hot. Strong enough to make plays through blocks. Can also run plays down from back side. Has posted outstanding verified testing numbers for a player of his size. Heavy-handedness and activity with his big paws will become even more dangerous as pass-rush move set expands. Given his size will need to monitor conditioning and maintain athleticism, which has not been an issue to date. Deep tool set should provide for varied role and scheme versatility. One of the top overall prospects in the 2022 class. Should become impact high-major defensive lineman with NFL Draft first-round potential."