Georgia Football Dealt Brutal Blow This Week

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 12:13 PM ET

The Georgia Bulldogs will have to continue their search for an edge rusher in the college football transfer portal.

The Bulldogs hosted former North Carolina Tar Heels edge rusher Beau Atkinson for a visit. But On3's Pete Nakos reported Wednesday that Atkinson has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

"Two of college football’s biggest programs battled it out for a top pass rusher and ultimately, Ohio State won out," wrote On3's Griffin McVeigh.

Based on the On3 transfer portal rankings, Atkinson was a top 60 player in the portal this offseason. Atkinson was also the No. 8-ranked edge rusher in the portal.

Atkinson could enter the NFL Draft next offseason. The edge rusher, though, has two years of eligibility remaining.

Atkinson committed to North Carolina as a four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. The edge rusher was the No. 7 North Carolina recruit in the class.

Atkinson redshirted during his first season with the Tar Heels. The edge rusher then appeared in 26 games over the 2023 and 2024 campaigns.

BREAKING: North Carolina star transfer EDGE Beau Atkinson has committed to Ohio State, @PeteNakos_ reportshttps://t.co/h9mnQKRkqL pic.twitter.com/nT3z0mt43W
— On3 (@On3sports) April 24, 2025

As a redshirt freshman, Atkinson posted 3.5 sacks and five tackles for loss in 13 contests. The edge rusher then had 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss during 2024.

The Bulldogs are trying to add an edge rusher in the college football transfer portal to help replace what they lost to the NFL this offseason. Both Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker were first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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