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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Walter Nolen Named Outland Trophy Finalist
11/26/2024 | Football
DALLAS – Ole Miss football junior defensive tackle Walter Nolen has been named one of three finalists for the 2024 Outland Trophy, as announced by the Football Writers Association of America on Tuesday.
Nolen, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham are all finalists for the Outland, which is awarded annually to the nation's best college interior lineman on offense or defense. Nolen is the first Ole Miss defensive player to make the finalist cut, and he joins offensive tackle Michael Oher (2008) as the lone Outland finalists in program history.
Nolen has anchored a fearsome Ole Miss defense that leads the nation in sacks (49), tackles for loss (108) and yards per rush allowed (2.39), while leading the SEC in rushing defense (87.5 ypg; FBS No. 2) and rushing touchdowns allowed (6; FBS No. 3).
On the year, Nolen has 40 total tackles, 10.5 TFL, 5.0 sacks, three pass breakups, three QB hurries and two fumble recoveries. Nolen is PFF's top SEC interior lineman and second-best in all of college football in run defense (91.0), as well as the No. 4 rated defensive lineman in the FBS in overall rating (85.8).
Nolen was also named a semifinalist for both the Bednarik Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, and was on additional watch lists for the Maxwell, Lombardi and Nagurski awards.
The recipient of the 2024 Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Thurs., Dec. 12. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025.
The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.
ABOUT THE OUTLAND TROPHY
The Outland Trophy, celebrating 79 years since its founding, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.
Nolen, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham are all finalists for the Outland, which is awarded annually to the nation's best college interior lineman on offense or defense. Nolen is the first Ole Miss defensive player to make the finalist cut, and he joins offensive tackle Michael Oher (2008) as the lone Outland finalists in program history.
Nolen has anchored a fearsome Ole Miss defense that leads the nation in sacks (49), tackles for loss (108) and yards per rush allowed (2.39), while leading the SEC in rushing defense (87.5 ypg; FBS No. 2) and rushing touchdowns allowed (6; FBS No. 3).
On the year, Nolen has 40 total tackles, 10.5 TFL, 5.0 sacks, three pass breakups, three QB hurries and two fumble recoveries. Nolen is PFF's top SEC interior lineman and second-best in all of college football in run defense (91.0), as well as the No. 4 rated defensive lineman in the FBS in overall rating (85.8).
Nolen was also named a semifinalist for both the Bednarik Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, and was on additional watch lists for the Maxwell, Lombardi and Nagurski awards.
The recipient of the 2024 Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Thurs., Dec. 12. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025.
The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.
ABOUT THE OUTLAND TROPHY
The Outland Trophy, celebrating 79 years since its founding, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.
Players Mentioned
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