Chip Trayanum, Ohio State RB, Transfers to Kentucky

Kentucky logged another blue chip win in the transfer portal from a Power Five program. On the heels of an official visit to Lexington, running back Chip Trayanum announced his commitment to Kentucky.

Trayanum is a bruiser in the trenches. The 5-foot-11, 233-pound athlete has two years of eligibility remaining.

This is a significant addition to the Kentucky running back room that’s undergoing significant turnover this offseason. Ray Davis and Ramon Jefferson are bound for the NFL, while JuTahn McClain is hitting the transfer portal following the Gator Bowl. Demie Sumo-Karngbaye is the leading returner, and he spent much of the season lined up at wide receiver. Trayanum can provide immediate production while Jay Boulware develops three freshman running backs next fall.

Trayanum is taking an unusual path to Kentucky, but there is proven pedigree. Fans should have high expectations for the incredible athlete.

Got thoughts? Continue the conversation on KSBoard, the KSR Message Board. New members can try 1 month for $1.

Trayanum has Experience and Tools

Chip Trayanum is from Vince Marrow’s neck of the woods. An Akron native, he was the No. 5 player in the state of Ohio when the four-star talent committed to Arizona State in 2020. In two seasons he averaged more than 5.0 yards per carry and scored 10 total touchdowns before he decided to make the move closer to home.

A two-way star at Archbishop Hoban, there’s always been debate about which position he fits best. After giving running back a try, he transferred to Ohio State to play linebacker. Those plans fell through following a string of injuries in the backfield.

He started against Michigan and had 83 of the Buckeyes’ 92 rushing yards to close out the 2022 season. This fall Trayanum was Ohio State’s second-leading rusher, tallying 373 yards and three touchdowns. His personal highlight from the fall might’ve been the biggest player of the year for Ryan Day’s team, scoring a touchdown as time expired to give Ohio State a win on the road at Notre Dame.

Trayanum is bringing some outstanding athletic traits to Kentucky. One of the “freaks” on Bruce Feldman’s annual preseason list, his numbers in the weight room (650 squat, 415 bench-press) are closer to a lineman’s than a running back’s. He has all of the tools to be successful, but hasn’t had a ton of opportunity to succeed. He’ll get a shot next fall in the backfield at the University of Kentucky.