The Ohio State Buckeyes predicted to land massive portal addition that would bring back fond memories for the fanbase, but with a higher ceiling
The Ohio State Buckeyes might be fresh off a National Championship victory over Notre Dame, but their attention is already on the 2025 college football season. Head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeye staff has been tasked with replacing a ton of talent in one offseason. That includes defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes might be fresh off a National Championship victory over Notre Dame, but their attention is already on the 2025 college football season. Head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeye staff has been tasked with replacing a ton of talent in one offseason. That includes defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer who combined for 31 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks as a duo last season.
There are some younger players on the roster that the staff is excited about, but Ohio State is constantly on the search to add talent. It appears they could be getting a huge transfer portal addition here in the near future. Predictions were put in from both Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong of On3 for the Buckeyes to land UNC star pass rusher Beau Atkinson.
Atkinson is one of the more underrated defenses in all of college football, hidden on a very poor Tar Heel defense. The 6-6, 265-pound defensive end was dominant at times in 2024. In 13 games, Atkinson finished with 35 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks.
In a lot of ways, Atkinson’s game is pretty comparable to Sawyer. He boasts a massive frame, and has underlying power to do all of the dirty work that Ohio State would ask of him. Atkinson, however, is an even better athlete. The upside he brings coming off of the edge makes him a unique potential addition, and one that could even be an upgrade if he reaches his ceiling.
The deal isn’t done yet, but there is a reason these predictions are being put in for the Buckeyes. You have to love the team’s chances right now. If they are able to lure Atkinson to Columbus, they should expect immediate impact in 2025. While it’s not as proven as the previous rotation, a unit of Atkinson, Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., and CJ Hicks is still pretty darn talented. It should once again be a strong defensive line room next season.
New defensive coordinator Matt Patrica inherited a lot of talent, but a decent amount of it is unproven. Adding a proven player like Atkinson would seriously raise the floor and ceiling of the defensive unit. He is exactly what they need.
