Defensive end help wasn’t exactly the first red dot on Ohio State’s spring portal radar. But when you’re replacing every single starter up front from a national title-winning D-line, you don’t pass up a chance to boost the ceiling. Not with championship stakes looming again in Columbus. Ryan Day might not have sounded the sirens publicly, but he knew what he was losing.
Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau didn’t just anchor the edges—they embodied toughness, versatility, and relentless production. Together, they tallied 120 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and 115 pressures last season. A front seven that sparked the Buckeyes’ postseason resurgence. Finding their heir? That was never going to be easy. Ryan Day is “excited” about the addition of this DE.
The identity of that replacement? Former North Carolina edge rusher Beau Atkinson, who quietly packed up from Chapel Hill and landed in Columbus with the tools and temperament to pick up exactly where Sawyer left off. Atkinson’s arrival drew rave reviews, including from On3’s J.D. PicKell, who didn’t hold back: “Now, Beau Atkinson is an edge defender transferring from North Carolina to Ohio State. And in the transfer portal in general, like getting trench players, offensive line, defensive line, it’s kind of like Chick-fil-A sauce. Can never have too much of it.” You don’t turn down pass rushers, especially when they’re this seasoned, this explosive, and this hungry.
PicKell continued: “He’s got real, proven production from North Carolina. A dude who’s a freak show off the edge. High motor guy. You go look at his highlights—he’s out here sacking Virginia’s quarterback while being blocked with one arm and bringing the quarterback down with the other. Like yeah, we can use that.” This isn’t about adding depth—it’s about loading the chamber with someone who can tilt the line of scrimmage.
“What really flipped the switch for Ohio State was you had Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, and that front seven start eating greedy,” PicKell added. “You pair Atkinson with CJ Hicks, I think that front seven’s going to be once again in a good spot.” That’s the vision: reload, not rebuild. And the stats back it up.
Beau Atkinson was one of UNC’s most productive defenders over the past two seasons. Logging 610 snaps. In that time, he tallied 54 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and 39 pressures. The breakout came in 2024, where he looked every bit like the Power Five disruptor scouts expected out of high school. But when UNC underwent a seismic shift—namely, Bill Belichick taking over as head coach—Atkinson began looking for a new environment. The Buckeyes didn’t hesitate. What he offers isn’t just experience; it’s high-end, winning production in the trenches.
For a team trying to stay at the apex of college football, that’s the type of plug-and-play impact the Buckeyes desperately need. Because while there’s legitimate faith in the younger edge talent already in the room, no returning DE can match what Atkinson has already put on tape. This move offers both security and a high ceiling, ensuring Ohio State’s new quarterback won’t be shouldering the entire burden. A dominant front seven acts as the ultimate insurance policy a young quarterback could ask for. And the identity of that new QB?
After months of speculation, Ryan Day revealed it’s a two-horse race. While Tavien St. Clair still needs time to grow, the focus is on Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz. Day noted, “I thought they handled the environment well….there has been progress made.” However, despite expectations for Sayin to be QB1, the reality is the competition remains open: “I felt like Lincoln going into the spring game was ahead of Julian, and then I thought Julian performed better in the spring game.” So, for now, the quarterback position remains up for grabs for both of them.
Fortunately for whoever takes the reins, that crucial safety net is shaping up nicely. Star receiver Jeremiah Smith, who looked like a custom-built cheat code last postseason, is still WR1 and ready to lead the room. His tag-team partner, Carnell Tate, is emerging as a legit WR2 threat, and Brandon Inniss will also have a sizable role in the rotation. But no offense can thrive if the defense regresses.
Ryan Day welcomes new DE with open arms
Ohio State is beefing up its D-line, and Ryan Day couldn’t be more thrilled about the newest addition. Tar Heel’s transfer DE Beau Atkinson. “We think that it’s a great addition to the room—somebody who has experience, has some real size,” Day said Tuesday, clearly fired up about what Atkinson brings to the table.
After spending three seasons at UNC, Atkinson decided he wanted a shot at the big stage—and what’s bigger than suiting up for the Buckeyes? “Beau made it very clear he wanted to play at the highest level,” Day added. That mindset alone earned him instant respect in Columbus.
Atkinson hails from Raleigh, North Carolina, but there’s a fun twist—his mom’s from New Hampshire, just like Coach Day. A small-world connection, but one that brought a little extra familiarity to the signing. While Atkinson helps shore up the edge, the Buckeyes are still on the lookout for a defensive tackle.
Day’s been transparent about that being a “position of need,” but he’s not desperate. “Not just going to do it to do it,” he said. “Want someone to improve the room.” Ohio State hosted Troy Pikes recently, but he committed to South Carolina. Atkinson’s on board, but can Day find that crucial defensive tackle to make this D-line truly scary?
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