Ohio State Lands Former UNC EDGE Beau Atkinson in Major Transfer Portal Win

Ohio State has made another significant move in the NCAA transfer portal, securing a commitment from former North Carolina EDGE Beau Atkinson. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Atkinson was one of the most sought-after players in the portal, and now he’ll bring his talents to Columbus.

The Buckeyes had to beat out some stiff competition to land Atkinson. Georgia emerged as the top contender alongside Ohio State, even hosting Atkinson for a visit. But in the end, Ryan Day’s program came out on top, adding a dynamic defender to a defense that’s already undergone significant changes following its national championship run.

Atkinson, a four-star transfer according to the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings, was rated as the No. 52 overall player in the portal and the No. 8 EDGE. Among available players, only two defensive backs were ranked higher.

He brings both talent and proven production to the Buckeye defensive line. Atkinson appeared in all 13 games for North Carolina in 2024, totaling 35 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. His standout performance came against Florida State, where he notched five tackles for loss and 3.2 sacks in a single game—a monster showing that helped raise his national profile.

Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Atkinson played high school football at Leesville Road and was a four-star recruit in the 2022 cycle. He was ranked No. 355 overall in his class and committed to UNC out of high school. Now, with three seasons under his belt (one being a redshirt year), he’ll enter the 2025 season as a redshirt junior and will have up to two seasons of eligibility remaining.

With Ohio State already completing spring ball, Atkinson is set to join the team in time for summer workouts. His addition comes at a critical time, as the Buckeyes have seen some turnover on the defensive line. His experience and pass-rushing ability could allow him to step into a significant role immediately.

He’ll be tested early, too. Ohio State opens its 2025 season with a high-stakes matchup against Texas on August 30—a rematch of their College Football Playoff semifinal. That game, loaded with storylines and national attention, will be Atkinson’s first opportunity to make his mark as a Buckeye.