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Ohio State projected to land top pass rusher in transfer portal
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Ohio State may be nearing a significant addition to its 2025 roster.
Two leading college football insiders, On3’s Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong, are projecting the Buckeyes to land a transfer commitment from former North Carolina edge Beau Atkinson.
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Atkinson entered the transfer portal earlier this month and immediately was recognized as one of the top edge players available. Last season at Carolina, Atkinson totaled 12 tackles for loss at 7.5 sacks.
According to Pro Football Focus, Atkinson posted 25 pressures, 12 QB hurries and had a pass rush win rate of over 15%. He also earned a pass rushing grade of 76.2 for the 2024 season.
Atkinson would be a big addition for the Buckeyes off the edge if they’re able to finalize this deal. Ohio State is tasked with replacing several key defensive linemen off of last year’s team. So far this offseason, Ohio State’s only edge transfer addition has been Idaho State pass rusher Logan George.
Overall, the Buckeyes have already earned commitments from 6 transfers this offseason. Atkinson is the No. 20 edge transfer to enter the portal so far this offseason, per 247Sports rankings. He’s also currently the top uncommitted transfer at that position.
There is no known timetable for Atkinson to make an official commitment.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.