North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Beau Atkinson shocked many by announcing he would be entering the transfer portal, arguably being the team’s biggest loss ahead of Bill Belichick’s first season as head coach.
Beau Atkinson Leaving Is a Huge Loss for Bill Belichick
The Tar Heels made headlines this offseason when they brought legendary coach Bill Belichick in to take the reins. Now they’re back in the news, with sack leader Beau Atkinson entering the portal.
Atkinson had a stellar 2024 campaign, registering 35 tackles and leading the team with seven and a half sacks. He was one of the defensive side’s game changers. Losing Atkinson is a huge hit to their line, and Belichick will face a massive challenge on his hands.
Inside Carolina’s Tommy Ashley and Jason Staples spoke on Atkinson. Ashley said, “It leaves a massive hole on North Carolina’s roster and is a real game changer.”
Staples added, “If I were evaluating the roster today, Beau Atkinson would be the top‑rated defender, by a reasonable margin. This is an enormous loss.”
“In the short term, UNC has to find out what Atkinson’s number is and pay him to bring him back. In the long term, whoever might have contact with other teams will have holdouts,” he said. “It’s exactly what Tennessee is going through with Nico Iamaleava.”
Atkinson is arguably the best defensive end to hit the portal, leaving Belichick and UNC scrambling to find a replacement if they can’t bring him back. It isn’t easy to replace that production or fill the hole he leaves.
That adds to the areas the Tar Heels already needed to address. They were seeking a defensive tackle and an offensive tackle; now it just got tougher. Zion Ferguson, another defensive player expected to be a long‑term star, also announced he will enter the portal.
Belichick has enjoyed immense success in the NFL, but this is his first time coaching college football, and his staff must adapt to what players want. With the portal and NIL money opening more doors, it just got even tougher.
There’s no word yet on Atkinson’s reasons for entering the portal. It may be money‑related, but players also move for opportunity or because they feel they’ll fit better elsewhere.
MORE: North Carolina’s 2025 Schedule: How Far Will Bill Belichick Lead the Tar Heels?
The Tar Heels went 6‑7 in 2024. Now Belichick is at the helm, and it was going to be difficult. This news about Atkinson may make it even tougher. If he returns, the defense remains solid. If he leaves, there are some huge gaps to fix.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
