A promising Atlanta-area defender who has decided to stay close to home, Nowell is an impressive run-stopping EDGE defender in McDonough to will make the short drive north to the city to play his college ball for the Georgia State Panthers. The 6-foot-3 225-pounder at Ola (GA) is fresh off a terrific junior season where he made 75 tackles while also helping on special teams. He plays hard, wraps up properly, and is one of the region’s top returning defenders in the 2027 class. The Panthers are looking for underrated in-state talent and that’s what they have now in Nowell.

A productive linebacker flying under the radar south of Atlanta, Nowell is a metro-area defender who played consistent football last season as a junior. The physically-gifted 6-foot-3 225-pounder was one of the leaders of the Mustang defense, securing 75 tackles (third on the team), with one sack, one INT, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a blocked punt on special teams. He plays hard, fights off blocks, and should be even better next fall as a senior. He’s earned offers this spring from Austin Peay, Wofford, and Ohio after earning several earlier offers in the winter. He’s one to know about in 2026.

A sure-tackling defender to know in the small town of McDonough, Nowell brings plenty of size and tackles with authority at 6-foot-3 225-pounds. He strikes hard and fights off blocks consistently on his way to securing the ball-carrier. He can set the edge against the run and is one of the top returning 2027 linebackers in the region. As a junior last season, Nowell made 75 tackles and recorded at least 12 tackles in three different games. His recruitment is picking up and he added recent offers last week from Wofford and Ohio. Look for Nowell to be added to the summer addition of the 2027 Prep Redzone rankings.