The UNC football program suffered a major loss when edge rusher Beau Atkinson elected to enter the transfer portal.
Once he entered his name into the portal, Atkinson became one of the most sought-after players on the market. It didn't take long for him to find a new home, landing with the reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
Even though he's only been with the program for a few months, head coach Ryan Day spoke very highly of his new edge rusher, citing how he's quickly developed into a leader for this year's team.
Ryan Day said Beau Atkinson has stood out since transferring from North Carolina to Ohio State this summer.
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) July 31, 2025
"Coming into Ohio State, he wants to prove himself," Day said. "His teammates have really rallied around him."
Leading up to his junior season, Atkinson is looking to improve upon an impressive sophomore season. As a redshirt sophomore, the former three-star talent emerged as one of the ACC's top pass rushers, finishing the season with 7.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 25 quarterback pressures.
Ryan Day on North Carolina transfer defensive end Beau Atkinson: "I think for him coming into Ohio State he wants to prove himself...his teammates have really rallied around him." #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/AuxyKy6J8c
— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) July 31, 2025
The decision to transfer made a ton of sense for Atkinson for a handful of reasons. For starters, his junior season is a big one, especially with the desire to ultimately play in the NFL. Why not take a chance on joining a College Football Playoff caliber squad to enhance your exposure?
Additionally, it's a whole new regime from top to bottom for the UNC football program. There's no certainty this group will compete this year, leaving Atkinson with the decision to either stay and hope for the best or jump at the opportunity to join a more win-now ready program.
Based on his time in Chapel Hill, it's no surprise that Atkinson has already made an impact on his new team. During his time as a Tar Heel, Atkinson was productive on the field but also served as a leader off it, providing an example of what a student-athlete should strive to be.
It could be easy for fans to be mad at players for leaving a program. However, fans should be rooting for him in this next venture of his college football career, as long as his Buckeyes aren't competing against the Tar Heels!