Ohio State is aggressively addressing its defensive line concerns, starting with a key transfer target. Former North Carolina EDGE Beau Atkinson is set to visit Columbus on Monday, sources told Lettermen Row. Head coach Ryan Day has voiced concern over the Buckeyes’ depth up front following the departures of J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. The pair accounted for 21.5 of Ohio State’s 53 sacks last season, a void that won’t be easy to replace.
Ryan Day’s Ohio State Bolsters Pass Rush Plans With Beau Atkinson Visit
Ohio State’s push to address defensive line depth continued this week, as North Carolina EDGE Beau Atkinson scheduled a visit to Columbus for Monday, sources confirmed. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound pass rusher appeared in every game for the Tar Heels in 2024, totaling 35 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
His entrance into the transfer portal Wednesday followed the coaching shift from Mack Brown to Bill Belichick, which has prompted several UNC players to explore new opportunities.
Head coach Ryan Day has repeatedly emphasized the need to strengthen the defensive front this offseason. Following the Buckeyes’ spring game, Day said,
“I think we’ve got to take a hard look at it. I don’t think I have the answer right now, but we’ve got to look at it. It seemed to me like there was just a lot of knock-back on the offensive side of the ball here, but then again, I don’t want to make any judgments until I watch the film.”
The Buckeyes face the challenge of replacing all four starting defensive linemen — Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, Ty Hamilton, and Tyleik Williams — along with Hero Kanu, a key depth piece who transferred to Texas.
The loss of Sawyer and Tuimoloau alone removes 21.5 of the team’s 53 total sacks from last season. Analyst Greg McElroy noted the pair’s impact, saying their “veteran presence and pass-rush prowess” were crucial to Ohio State’s national title run.
Ohio State likes starters Jackson, Curry, McDonald, and Houston, but depth remains a concern. The coaching staff wants further development from Jason Moore, Will Smith Jr., Tywone Malone and Jarquez Carter, while spring progress from Logan George and C.J. Hicks showed promise.
KEEP READING: CFB Analysts Agree: Beau Atkinson Is North Carolina’s Biggest Defensive Loss Yet Under Bill Belichick
With more than 600 players entering the portal so far, the next 10 days offer a prime window for roster upgrades. Atkinson is also visiting Georgia, setting up another recruiting showdown between Ryan Day and Kirby Smart. Ohio State is expected to remain active, particularly in pursuit of at least one or two interior defensive linemen.
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