Ryan Day and Ohio State have been picky when it comes to the transfer portal. Usually, when the Buckeyes take in a transfer, they believe that the player fits the culture and can contribute. Last year, those additions helped bring home another national championship. This offseason, six players made the jump to Columbus in the winter portal window. Now, the Buckeyes kick off the Spring window by adding a rising star on the defensive line, Beau Atkinson.
Ohio State Adds Rising Star Beau Atkinson From the Portal
Out of high school, Atkinson was an overlooked three-star recruit out of North Carolina. Once his home state program offered, he committed and joined the Tar Heels’ 2022 recruiting class. First time around, Ohio State was not among the 17 Power 4 programs (four from the Big Ten) to offer Atkinson a scholarship. Now, that’s changed after he’s developed a bit.
As a true freshman in 2022, Atkinson did not register any playing time as a depth piece on the defensive line. However, he earned plenty of playing time the following year. In 13 games, he tallied 19 tackles, four-and-a-half tackles for loss, three-and-a-half sacks, three quarterback pressures, and forced a fumble. He kicked off the season with the only game with multiple tackles for loss and sacks.
Then, last year, he began his breakout. In 13 games, Atkinson amassed 35 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and seven-and-a-half sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he played 381 defensive snaps. In that time, he was awarded an overall grade of 77. Breaking it down further, he earned a 74.3 run defense grade and 76.2 in pass rushing.
What It Means for Ohio State
The caveat of competition level exists when comparing Atkinson against last year’s Buckeyes. For reference, his 77 grade would have slotted him as the third-best EDGE among players with over 200 snaps, behind Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. Caden Curry (71.9 on 231 snaps) and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (69.9 with 315 snaps) are the presumed starters this fall, for reference.
At six-foot-six and 265 pounds, Atkinson could kick inside for the “Rushmen” package, giving Ohio State a full defensive line of capable pass rushers for those obvious passing situations.
In the fall window, the Buckeyes took in another EDGE, Logan George. While it was just the Spring Game, George flashed, giving Ohio State a glimpse of what the Idaho State transfer could have.
Atkinson figures to be an integral piece of the defensive line rotation in 2025. Larry Johnson is out on the recruiting trail trying to add to his defensive line depth, and earning the commitment of Atkinson is a great first step.
Main Image: Ken Ruinard / staff via Imagn Content Services, LLC
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