Who Ryan Day believes is a ‘great addition’ to Ohio State football’s roster heading into 2025 season

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football hasn’t made much movement during the spring transfer portal window, but coach Ryan Day is “excited” about the addition of defensive end Beau Atkinson.

“We think that it’s a great addition to the room — somebody who has experience, has some real size,” Day said Tuesday.

Atkinson joined OSU after three years at North Carolina. After redshirting in 2022, Atkinson collected 54 tackles, 11 sacks and one forced fumble across the last two seasons.

“Beau made it very clear he wanted to play at the highest level,” Day said.

Atkinson is a product of Raleigh, North Carolina. However, his mother is from New Hampshire — a shared trait with Day.

While Atkinson helps at defensive end, Ohio State hasn’t added a defensive tackle.

Day has, on separate occasions, noted that as a position of need, but the Buckeyes will only add to the room if they find a worthwhile option.

“Not just going to do it to do it,” Days said. “Want someone to improve the room.”

Ohio State recently hosted former Georgia Southern defensive tackle Troy Pikes on a visit. On Tuesday, he committed to South Carolina.

What Ryan Day said after 2025 NFL Draft, end of spring season

• Day said Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin handled the environment and the huddle well in Ohio State’s spring game.
• Day on freshman quarterback Tavien St. Clair: “He just needs more experience, needs more at-bats.”
• Day praised CJ Hicks as he transitions to defensive end. He said Hicks has been good in the pass game and is growing in the run game.
• Day on work left for the quarterbacks to do as they learn Ohio State’s offense: “There’s still a lot we haven’t put in.”
• Day said he is, “fired up about where this offense can go.”
• Day said the Buckeyes try to simulate experience as best as they can, but it’s difficult to do. When he worked with the 49ers, they even tried using virtual reality to simulate games and it wasn’t the same.
• Day on new assistants Matt Patricia and Tyler Bowen: “I like their attitudes ... I think they fit our culture really, really well.”
• Day emphasized the importance of a great summer because as fall camp arrives, Ohio State is preparing for an opening matchup with Texas.
• Day: “I don’t think Seth (McLaughlin) should’ve gone undrafted.”
• Day noted that the Achilles tear and the fact that McLaughlin specifically plays center may have led to his fall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
• Day said Ohio State has more options at tight end than its ever had during his time in Columbus.
• Day said Austin Siereveld will be a starter for Ohio State. He didn’t name a specific position for Siereveld, who worked everywhere outside of center in the spring.
• Ohio State is looking to increase its scholarship total to 90 (from 85) while roster limits could move to 105.
• Day on if he has a frontrunner in the quarterback competition: “No.”