Ohio State lands commitment from former North Carolina EDGE Beau Atkinson

Ohio State has made a massive splash in the NCAA transfer portal, landing a commitment from Beau Atkinson, a source tells On3’s Pete Nakos. The former North Carolina EDGE was one of the top names when he decided to enter. And now, he will continue his college football career in Columbus.

Plenty of other schools were going after Atkinson during his transfer portal process. Georgia was widely considered the main competitor and even hosted Atkinson on a visit. Two of college football’s biggest programs battled it out for a top pass rusher and ultimately, Ohio State won out.

According to the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings, Atkinson was a four-star prospect this cycle. He ranked as the No. 52 overall player and No. 8 when just looking at EDGEs. Just two other players, both defensive backs, were ranked higher when looking at available players.

Now, Ohio State is adding somebody with both experience and production. Atkinson played in all 13 North Carolina games last season, totalling 35 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and 7.5 sacks. A monster performance against Florida State really stands out, having five TFLs and 3.2 sacks against the Seminoles.

Atkinson played high school football at Raleigh (NC) Leesville Road, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 355 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Multiple years of eligibility remain for Atkinson. Three seasons were spent in Chapel Hill but one was a redshirt. The 2025 season will officially be Atkinson’s redshirt junior campaign, meaning he can stay with Ohio State for two seasons if he desires.

Spring ball is already wrapped up for the Buckeyes. Atkinson will join the team ahead of summer workouts before getting into his first practice setting this fall. Ohio State is working on defending its national championship. A lot of roster turnover, specifically on the defensive line, has taken place since then.

Ohio State will be facing a big test right away on Aug. 30. The Texas Longhorns will be coming to town, the team Ryan Day’s squad beat in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Under normal circumstances, Ohio State-Texas brings a ton of eyeballs.

Being a season opener and recent rematch will only add to the intensity. Atkinson will be joining Ohio State for these kinds of moments, hoping to make an immediate impact for the Buckeyes.