Ohio State Defensive Line Depth Hinges on Veteran Standout

Spring game observations highlight the potential impact of Andrew Gillis on the Buckeyes' defensive front.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:40pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold brushstrokes in neon greens, oranges, and blues, capturing the dynamic movement and intensity of a college football defensive line in action.Ohio State's defensive line depth could hinge on the breakout potential of veteran transfer Beau Atkinson, whose spring game performance showcased his versatility and playmaking ability.Columbus Today

Ohio State's defensive line depth may rely heavily on veteran transfer Beau Atkinson, who had an impressive showing in the team's spring game with an interception and a sack. Atkinson, a fifth-year defensive lineman, is looking to bounce back after a reduced role in 2025 and could provide valuable versatility on the interior and edge. The Buckeyes' young offensive tackles also got a chance to face the starting defensive line, with mixed results, while the running game was limited with top backs sitting out.

Why it matters

Atkinson's potential emergence could be a significant boost for Ohio State's defensive line, which is looking to replace key contributors from last season. His ability to play both inside and outside provides valuable flexibility, and if he can recapture the form he showed at North Carolina, it could solidify the Buckeyes' defensive front. The performance of the young offensive tackles is also noteworthy, as Ohio State looks to rebuild its offensive line.

The details

Beau Atkinson, a North Carolina transfer, had a standout performance in Ohio State's spring game, recording an interception and a sack against the second-team offensive line. Atkinson, who saw his playing time reduced dramatically in 2025 after a 35-snap game against Texas, is looking to bounce back in his second season with the Buckeyes. At 6-foot-6 and 258 pounds, he has the size and versatility to play both on the edge and on the interior, which could provide a different look for Ohio State's defense. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes' new starting offensive tackles, Ian Moore and Carter Lowe, had mixed results against the first-team defensive line, with Lowe struggling and Moore showing more promise. With the team's top three running backs sitting out, the spring game did not provide much insight into Ohio State's rushing attack under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

  • Beau Atkinson had just 214 snaps in the 2025 season after a 35-snap game against Texas in the season opener.
  • The Ohio State spring game took place on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Beau Atkinson

A fifth-year defensive lineman who transferred to Ohio State from North Carolina, where he had 7.5 sacks in 2024. Atkinson is looking to bounce back after a reduced role in 2025 and showcased his potential in the spring game with an interception and a sack.

Ian Moore

A young offensive tackle who is in the mix to be Ohio State's starting left tackle for the 2026 season, showing more promise than his counterpart Carter Lowe in the spring game.

Carter Lowe

An Ohio State offensive tackle who struggled against the Buckeyes' starting defensive line in the spring game, getting beaten by Kenyatta Jackson for a sack.

Kenyatta Jackson

A defensive end for Ohio State who was able to beat Carter Lowe for a sack in the spring game.

Zion Grady

An Ohio State defensive lineman who recorded a sack against Ian Moore in the spring game.

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What they’re saying

“Considering he didn't have either a year ago, the idea of Atkinson taking a leap forward is enticing. Because that potential flashed on Saturday.”

— Andrew Gillis, Reporter

What’s next

Ohio State's starting offensive tackles, Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels, were both out for the spring game, so the team will need to continue evaluating the options at those positions as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Beau Atkinson's strong performance in the spring game highlights the potential for Ohio State's defensive line depth to rely on a veteran presence, providing versatility and a different look for the Buckeyes' defense. The mixed results from the young offensive tackles also underscore the work that needs to be done to solidify the offensive line ahead of the upcoming season.