Boom! The Ohio State football team just got one of the top players in the transfer portal. Former North Carolina edge rusher, Beau Atkinson has given his pledge to become a Buckeye.
Atkinson entered the portal not long ago and made his decision rather quickly. He visited Columbus just this past Monday and chose Ohio State just three days later over other suitors such as Georgia and South Carolina. After redshirting for the Tarheels in 2022, Atkinson had somewhat of a breakout year in 2024 where he totalled 35 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He earned ACC Defensive Player of the Week on November 2 of this past season after a 3.5 sack performance against Florida State.
Atkinson adds depth to a defensive line that will lose a great deal of quarterback pressure to the NFL draft in Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau. At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, he should fit in nicely alongside Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry. However, Ohio State does have a greater need for the interior of the defensive line. With his size and room to grow, Larry Johnson could move the young man inside if needed.
Atkinson is the first spring portal commitment for the Buckeyes. Johnson will certainly be looking for more after missing out on Syracuse defensive tackle Maraad Watson who signed with Texas on Tuesday. Ohio State will host former Georgia Southern defensive tackle Troy Pikes on Friday.
