The Ohio State football team has been trying to add some depth on the defensive line from the Spring transfer portal. They realized after the Spring Game that they needed some guys who could help them a little more. The Buckeyes reached out to several guys.
One of the guys they have been trying to bring in is defensive end Beau Atkinson. Atkinson is transferring from North Carolina and had been choosing between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Georgia, making visits to each program in the last week.
Following a visit on Monday, Ohio State was the favorite to land Atkinson. The Buckeyes felt good about their ability to land him. Nothing was made official until late Wednesday night, but Ohio State has signed him. Now, the Buckeyes have definitely become the team to beat in 2025.
Ohio State football team lands Beau Atkinson from the transfer portal
Adding Atkinson to the fold on defense gives them a proven pass rusher, something the Buckeyes were lacking after losing their entire defensive line to the NFL. He had 7.5 sacks this past season for the Tar Heels. That's more sacks than anyone on Ohio State's defensive line has in their career.
That was the last piece that the defense was missing heading into the 2025 season. While they still want to add some depth at defensive tackle, Atkinson really makes the defense better. Adding him into the fold solidifies Ohio State as the team to beat in 2025.
Of course, the Buckeyes still have to choose a starting quarterback. How well that QB plays will go a long way to determining if the Buckeyes are able to repeat as champions. Atkinson is signing with Ohio State because he believes he can help them do just that.
Ohio State is hoping Atkinson isn't the only transfer portal addition they will have.