UNC defensive end Beau Atkinson plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens Wednesday. Inside Carolina initially reported the news Tuesday night, and it was later shared by On3 Sports’ Hayes Fawcett.
The Tar Heels concluded spring practice Saturday afternoon.
A rising redshirt junior from Raleigh, Atkinson came on strong toward the end of UNC’s 2024 season. He recorded 5.5 sacks and eight total tackles for loss in a two-game span against Virginia and Florida State in two blowout wins for the Tar Heels. He also finished with a sack and six tackles in the Fenway Bowl, a lone bright spot in what was a 27-14 loss for Carolina. Atkinson totaled a team-high 7.5 sacks and 35 tackles for the season and played in every game. His 12 tackles for loss also led the Tar Heels.
Atkinson’s departure, along with the graduations of Kaimon Rucker and Des Evans, will leave UNC with glaring holes at the defensive end position. Head coach Bill Belichick brought in several defensive linemen from the transfer portal during the initial window following the 2024 season, among them Melkart Abou-Jaoude from Delaware and Pryce Yates from UConn. Rising redshirt sophomore Jaybron Harvey and Joel Starlings are also set to return.
The spring transfer portal window will close Friday, April 25.
Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Anthony Sorbellini
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