Ohio State RB Chip Trayanum into the transfer portal; Kentucky a possible destination?

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Chip Trayanum has entered his name into the portal, and according to Matt Jones of KSR, could be a target for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Now, in what capacity he would wind up in the backfield is unknown — whether that be a backup or starter.

To his credit, Trayanum rushed for 373 yards and three touchdowns on just 85 carries this season for the Buckeyes, spelling starting running back Treveyon Henderson. He also caught nine passes for 53 yards while finishing the year with a 73.4 PFF grade, which is that of a quality starter.

His biggest play of the year was also one of the Buckeye’s defining moments of 2023, as he scored the game-winning touchdown as time expired in the 17-14 win at Notre Dame.

Trayanum originally arrived in Columbus in 2022 as a transfer from Arizona State. Originally a class of 2020 recruit, he’d be a fifth-year guy in 2024.

In 2023, Trayanum saw very sparse carries, with only one game of having double-digit carries, which he did against Maryland with 20 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown.

For his career, Trayanum has 227 carries for 1,157 yards (5.1 avg) and 13 touchdowns.

Kentucky will most likely take a couple of running backs from the portal as Ray Davis is off to the NFL Draft, Ramon Jefferson is out of eligibility, and JuTahn McClain is in the portal.

Rocket Sanders and Mario Anderson are big-name backs that Kentucky could take a big swing at. However, they’re easily among the best backs in the portal, so many big-time programs will pursue them.

Definitely one to keep an eye on.