Walter Nolen issued a cryptic warning to any and all athletes who are committed to Texas A&M University. It appeared to relate to iffy Name, Image and Likeness deals in College Station.
Nolen, the top-ranked defensive lineman in the college football recruiting Class of 2022, was one of the three best players overall. As a five-star recruit, he could have gone anywhere.
The 6-foot-4, 325-pound tackle ultimately committed to Jimbo Fisher and played two years for the Aggies. Nolen later entered the transfer portal after his head coach was fired and ultimately committed to Ole Miss.
He will have two years of eligibility remaining, although it is expected that he will declare for the NFL Draft after one season in Oxford. That decision will be made down the road.
Walter Nolen is no longer associated with Texas A&M.
In the meantime, Nolen signed a contract with The Grove Collective — Ole Miss’ NIL arm — and (barring unforeseen circumstances) will suit up for the Rebels in 2024. It was a huge get for Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Pete Golding as they work toward a deep run in the first-ever 12-team Playoff.
Nolen was the crown jewels of the Aggies’ record-breaking 2022 class. Now that he is comfortably removed from his former program, he has some advice for anyone who is considering a similar path.
A since-deleted post to his Instagram story served as a caution:
PSA if u going to A&M read ur contract thoroughly hmu if u got questions just tryna help
— @nocloutwalt___ / Instagram
What does it mean?!
Nobody knows. Someone got ahold of Nolen and told him to take it down. However, the internet lives forever and the mysterious warning made its way across social media.
Nolen seemingly alluded to some shady deals taking place at Texas A&M when it comes to recruiting. If that is true, it is not ideal for a program that is currently transitioning from Fisher to Mike Elko. To make matters worse, the Aggies are in search of a new athletic director after Ross Bjork left for Ohio State.
Even though Bjork’s departure is likely a positive thing in the long run, there is a lot of uncertainty in College Station. For Nolen to hint at sketchy contracts amid all of the change is not a great look!