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Former Ohio State Buckeyes RB Chip Trayanum Commits To Kentucky

Chip Trayanum heads down to Lexington as Ray Davis' replacement for the Wildcats

Former Ohio State Buckeyes running back Chip Trayanum has found his new home for the 2024 season.

Trayanum officially committed to Kentucky on Tuesday via his "X" account. The senior Buckeyes' tailback will have one year of eligibility remaining in Lexington as he pairs up with former Georgia quarterback Brock Vandagriff in Liam Coen's backfield.

A native of Akron, Trayanum began his college career at Arizona State in 2020, totaling 49 carries for 290 yards and four touchdowns, as well as one reception for five yards. Although he appeared in four games, the 2020 season was essentially wiped away because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A year later, Trayanum rushed 78 times for 402 yards and six touchdowns. He added four receptions for 19 yards.

Following the 2021 season, Trayanum transferred back home to Ohio State, where he rotated reps with TreVeyon Henderson and Myian Williams. Initially, Trayanum was expected to play linebacker for the Buckeyes, but injuries relegated him back to a familiar role. Last season, he totaled 85 rush attempts for 373 yards and three touchdowns, and made nine catches for 53.

Chip Traynum

Ohio State Buckeyes RB Chip Trayanum runs against Penn State 

Trayanum's highlight moment came in the closing seconds of Week 4 when his 1-yard touchdown run sealed a 17-14 win over then-No. 9 Notre Dame at Irish Stadium. He also rushed for a season-high 61 yards and a touchdown in a 31-17 win over Maryland.

Three of Ohio State’s five scholarship tailbacks from last season are now leaving as Evan Pryor entered the portal on Monday. Williams, who finished with 158 rushing yards and three touchdowns, announced last week that he would be declaring for the NFL draft.

Dallan Hayden is expected to return next season in Columbus and be a focal point of the offensive trajectory. Henderson, who led the Buckeyes with 854 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, is eligible to enter the draft for the first time.

The No. 7 Buckeyes close out the 2023 season at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas against No. 9 Missouri in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. E.T.