Ohio State football has indeed scored a significant win in the college football transfer portal. The Buckeyes have secured a commitment from Beau Atkinson, a talented defender from North Carolina. Atkinson, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-6 and weighs 260 pounds, brings size and skill to the trenches. During his time at Chapel Hill, he accumulated 54 total tackles and 11 sacks across two seasons, forcing one fumble.
This acquisition is notable not only for Ohio State but also for the Tar Heels, as new head coach Bill Belichick loses a key defender from his first UNC team. Atkinson’s addition bolsters Ohio State’s defense, which is also losing notable pieces to the NFL draft this weekend. The Buckeyes have a record 15 players projected to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some potential first-round picks, including ¹:
– *Projected First-Round Picks:*
– *Emeka Egbuka, WR*: Projected 19th overall to the Green Bay Packers or 29th overall to the Washington Commanders
– *Josh Simmons, OL*: Projected 25th overall to the Houston Texans or 31st overall to the Kansas City Chiefs
Other notable Buckeyes projected to be drafted include:
– *Donovan Jackson, OL*: Second round, 43rd overall to the San Francisco 49ers or 48th overall to the Miami Dolphins
– *TreVeyon Henderson, RB*: Second round, 44th overall to the Dallas Cowboys or 39th overall to the Chicago Bears
– J.T. Tuimoloau, DE: Second round, 54th overall to the Packers or 60th overall to the Detroit Lions
With Atkinson’s commitment, Ohio State is positioning itself for continued success despite losing key players to the NFL.
How North Carolina transfer fits Ohio State defensive room
The arrival of Beau Atkinson is a significant boost to Ohio State’s defense, which is bracing for the loss of key players to the NFL draft. Notably, edge rusher Jack Sawyer and defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau are among the departures.
*Sawyer’s Impact*
Sawyer is fondly remembered by Buckeyes fans for his impressive scoop-and-score play against Quinn Ewers in the Cotton Bowl. His ability to force turnovers and make game-changing plays will be missed.
*Tuimoloau’s Contribution*
Tuimoloau, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive lineman, is projected to be a second-round pick in the NFL draft. He ranked third among FBS linemen with 21.5 tackles for loss, demonstrating his impact on opposing offenses.
*Atkinson’s Opportunity*
With Sawyer and Tuimoloau departing, Atkinson has a strong chance to take over as a key edge rusher for the Buckeyes. As a four-star transfer portal prospect, Atkinson brings a promising skillset and size (6-foot-6, 260 pounds) to the trenches. His experience and production at North Carolina make him an attractive addition to Ohio State’s defense.
*New Chapter for Atkinson*
Atkinson’s commitment to Ohio State means he’ll be chasing a championship ring with the Buckeyes, rather than becoming part of the Bill Belichick era at UNC. This new chapter in his career could be a defining moment for the talented defender.
