Buckeye Boost: Ohio State Lands Coveted Edge Rusher Beau Atkinson from Transfer Portal
In a significant coup for the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, former North Carolina Tar Heels defensive end Beau Atkinson has announced his commitment to transfer to Columbus. The highly sought-after edge rusher, who entered the transfer portal following a productive stint in Chapel Hill, chose the Buckeyes over strong interest from the Georgia Bulldogs and the South Carolina Gamecocks. This addition addresses a critical need for Ohio State’s defense as they look to rebuild their defensive line after losing key players to the NFL draft.
Atkinson’s commitment comes after an official visit to Ohio State’s campus on Monday, where he was able to meet with the coaching staff, including defensive line coach Larry Johnson, and get a feel for the program’s culture. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Atkinson brings a wealth of experience and proven production to the Buckeyes’ defensive unit. Over his two seasons playing for the Tar Heels, he amassed an impressive 54 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. His performance in the 2024 season was particularly noteworthy, as he led North Carolina with 7.5 sacks and also recorded 35 tackles and 12 tackles for loss.
A former four-star recruit out of Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, Atkinson was ranked among the top 250 players nationally in the 2022 recruiting class. He garnered significant interest coming out of high school, receiving around 18 offers, including early attention from South Carolina and Clemson. While Coastal Carolina was the only in-state program to offer, he also drew interest from Miami, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, and Michigan before ultimately signing with North Carolina.
Upon entering the transfer portal, Atkinson quickly became one of the most coveted defensive linemen available. Both Georgia and South Carolina aggressively pursued him, recognizing his potential to make an immediate impact on their respective defenses. South Carolina appeared to gain early momentum, scheduling a Zoom call and working towards an in-person visit. However, Ohio State’s involvement, highlighted by Atkinson’s visit to Columbus, shifted the landscape of his recruitment.
For Ohio State, the addition of Atkinson is crucial as they navigate the departure of all four of their starting defensive linemen from the previous season. While Idaho State transfer Logan George joined the team in January and had a promising spring, the Buckeyes were actively seeking further reinforcements on the edge. Atkinson’s arrival provides an immediate boost to a defensive end room that includes returning players Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry, as well as C.J. Hicks, a former linebacker who transitioned to the defensive line this offseason. All four of these players are entering their fourth year in the program, but the addition of Atkinson’s experience and pass-rushing prowess elevates the overall potential of the group.
Atkinson’s versatility could also be a valuable asset for defensive line coach Larry Johnson. While he primarily played on the edge at North Carolina, his size and strength could allow him to contribute as depth on the interior defensive line if needed. This flexibility provides the Ohio State coaching staff with options as they finalize their defensive personnel for the upcoming 2025 season.
The commitment of Beau Atkinson marks a significant victory in the transfer portal for Ohio State, addressing a clear position of need with a player who has demonstrated high-level production in a Power Five conference. His addition not only enhances the Buckeyes’ defensive capabilities but also sends a strong message about their intent to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season. With two years of eligibility remaining, Atkinson has the potential to be a key contributor to the Ohio State defense for the next two seasons.
While Georgia missed out on Atkinson, they have been active in the transfer portal, securing commitments from former Miami defensive lineman Josh Horton, Army defensive end Elo Modozie, and Illinois running back Josh McCray. These additions aim to bolster their roster as they also navigate player departures and look to maintain their position as one of the top programs in the nation.
South Carolina, despite losing out on Atkinson, has also found success in the transfer portal, landing commitments from edge rushers Demon Clowney and George Wilson. These players are expected to contribute to the Gamecocks’ defense as they look to build on their progress.
The recruitment of Beau Atkinson highlights the increasing importance of the transfer portal in college football. With players having greater freedom to change programs, teams must be proactive in identifying and pursuing talent in the portal to address roster needs and enhance their competitiveness. Ohio State’s successful pursuit of Atkinson demonstrates their understanding of this landscape and their ability to attract high-impact players.
As the Buckeyes move forward into the summer and prepare for the 2025 season, the addition of Beau Atkinson will undoubtedly be a significant storyline. His experience, production, and versatility make him a valuable asset to the Ohio State defense, and his commitment has raised expectations for the team’s performance. Buckeye fans will be eagerly anticipating his arrival in Columbus and the impact he will have on the field.
