In recent weeks, it has been clear that the Ohio State Buckeyes are in need of some pass-rush help leading up to the 2025 campaign. Luckily, it looks like Ryan Day and his staff are on the verge of winning a massive recruiting battle for one of the top targets out there.
On Monday, North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson is in Columbus for his official visit with the Buckeyes and it sure looks like things have been going fantastic for him on campus. Things are going so well, both Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos have put in their official predictions for Day to land him. Normally, this means a commitment is coming sooner rather than later:
NEW: On3's @PeteNakos_ & @SWiltfong_ have logged predictions for Ohio State to land star North Carolina EDGE transfer Beau Atkinson🌰https://t.co/O9f938KUus pic.twitter.com/Z5Myq2MHw4
— On3 (@On3sports) April 22, 2025
Ohio State is on the verge of landing UNC pass-rusher Beau Atkinson
This is going to be tremendous news for Day and Ohio State, but a big negative for Kirby Smart and Georgia. Atkinson was set to visit Athens later this week to meet with the Bulldogs, but now that he's potentially set on committing to the Buckeyes, it's safe to assume that visit won't take place.
Earlier this month, Atkinson surprised a lot of people when he announced he was entering the portal. The Buckeyes didn't waste much time in making a move to go after him. Last campaign for UNC, before Bill Belichick arrived of course, the playmaker posted 7.5 sacks. He was no question a leader on defense for the Tar Heels and he was expected to be a key difference-maker in 2025.
Instead, he decided he wanted to play elsewhere and when Ohio State comes calling, it's tough to turn the program down. The pieces are in place for the Buckeyes to push for another title next winter. The Atkinson commitment isn't locked in just yet, but all signs seem to indicate he'll be making the move to play for Day soon enough.