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Ohio State gets the massive transfer portal news it was waiting on after Ryan Day called out position group

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 11:24 PM ET

Only two weeks after Ohio State head coach Ryan Day called out his defensive line for not being where it needs to be for this fall, the defending national champs added the top player in the spring transfer portal. Ohio State earned a commitment from former North Carolina edge rusher Beau Atkinson.

The four-star transfer has both great experience and production on his resume. The Buckeyes are looking to replace seniors JT Tuimoloau and < a href="/nfl/players/jack_sawyer/721871" class="yard_link">Jack Sawyer, but the in-house options at defensive end and tackle had limited experience. Atkinson totaled 35 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 13 games last year.

Atkinson announced his decision late on Wednesday evening.

BREAKING: North Carolina standout transfer EDGE Beau Atkinson has Committed to Ohio State, @on3sports has learned

The 6’6 260 EDGE totaled 54 Tackles, 11 Sacks, & 1 FF (2 seasons)

Was one of the Top Players to enter the Portal this Springhttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/nOB6mVDGr6
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 24, 2025

Bill Belichick's Tar Heels surely would've preferred keeping Atkinson considering he had two years of eligibility remaining. He joins the Buckeyes to start his redshirt junior campaign.

Georgia was Ohio State's primary competition for Atkinson, so this was a major win on multiple fronts. Getting a multi-year starter away from an SEC powerhouse is notable for this revamped coaching staff.

"There's been flashes," Day previously said about his defensive line. "But in order for us to play defense like we did last year, we're gonna need those guys to step up more than they have. I think, again, there's ability there, but consistently playing at a certain level is something that's a challenge that I know Coach (Larry) Johnson is gonna be pushing these guys for over and over again.

Ryan Day on what he's seen from Ohio State's defensive tackles this offseason:

"There's been flashes," he said, "but in order for us to play defense like we did last year, we're gonna need those guys to step up more than they have. I think, again, there's ability there, but…
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) April 7, 2025