Chip Trayanum is back in the transfer portal after two seasons with the Buckeyes.
Trayanum, who transferred to Ohio State from Arizona State before the 2022 season to play linebacker but ended up moving to running back midway through his first year as a Buckeye, is in the transfer portal after two seasons at Ohio State.
— DeaMonte Chip Trayanum (@Chipperrz_) December 6, 2023
The news of Trayanum’s departure comes as a surprise as he was expected to be one of Ohio State’s lead running backs next season, especially if TreVeyon Henderson enters the NFL draft. He was the Buckeyes’ second-leading rusher during this year’s regular season, running for 373 yards and three touchdowns – one of which was perhaps Ohio State’s most iconic play of the season as he scored the game-winning touchdown at Notre Dame – on 85 carries.
Trayanum has one more season of collegiate eligibility after two years at Arizona State and two seasons with the Buckeyes.
He becomes the third running back this week to leave the program as Evan Pryor announced he would enter the transfer portal on Sunday while Miyan Williams announced Monday that he would enter the 2024 NFL draft. If Henderson goes pro, Dallan Hayden would be Ohio State’s only returning scholarship running back for next season, leaving serious questions about the Buckeyes’ running back depth unless they add a running back through the transfer portal.
Ohio State does have three running backs committed to its 2024 recruiting class in James Peoples, Jordan Lyle and Sam Williams-Dixon.
Trayanum becomes the 13th Buckeye to enter the transfer portal since the end of the regular season, joining quarterback Kyle McCord, running back Evan Pryor, wide receiver Julian Fleming, centers Victor Cutler Jr. and Jakob James, defensive end Omari Abor, linebacker Reid Carrico, cornerbacks Jyaire Brown and Ryan Turner, safeties Cameron Martinez and Kye Stokes and kicker Parker Lewis.
