Ohio State, Georgia Pursue UNC Transfer Beau Atkinson

As the college football transfer portal opens, Ohio State is prioritizing additions to its defensive line after losing all starters from last season. North Carolina defensive end Beau Atkinson, who has recorded 11 sacks over two seasons including a team-high 7.5 last year, is set to visit both Ohio State and Georgia, with additional visits planned. Atkinson’s departure is a significant setback for UNC’s developing defensive line. Ohio State is actively recruiting both immediate transfer portal targets and building a strong 2026 high school class. Despite their aggressive recruiting, the Buckeyes have not yet lost any scholarship players to the portal. Defensive end and tackle remain key focus areas as Ohio State seeks to strengthen its roster for next season.