Former Ohio State running back just hit the transfer portal right when the Buckeyes could use depth for the future
Ohio State has just about all of its focus on Tennessee and the College Football Playoff, but there are things off the field that they have to put energy toward as well. With the transfer portal currently being open, Ohio State is losing some players but also has the opportunity to bring in some new […]
Ohio State has just about all of its focus on Tennessee and the College Football Playoff, but there are things off the field that they have to put energy toward as well.
With the transfer portal currently being open, Ohio State is losing some players but also has the opportunity to bring in some new faces. One position of need for the Buckeyes next year is running back. With TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins both likely destined for the NFL, the running back depth next year in Columbus is a little worry.
As it currently stands, freshman James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon are the only two backs that will return next year. Ohio State is bringing in 2025 running backs Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, and Anthony Rogers. Still, the Buckeyes could use a running back with experience. One former Buckeye just hit the transfer portal that could provide that, though there are no signs to this point that OSU would bring him back.
Kentucky RB Chip Trayanum is back in the transfer portal
Following last season, Trayanum left Columbus after spending two seasons with the Buckeyes. His landing spot was the Kentucky Wildcats and his time there has not gone completely as planned. Trayanum only played in three games this season for the Wildcats due to a broken hand. With Kentucky, Trayanum ran the ball 19 times for 101 yards in his short time in Lexington.
Before transferring to Ohio State, Trayanum played in 13 games over two seasons at Arizona State. The Ohio native had 691 yards and 10 touchdowns while with the Sun Devils. Trayanum’s first year at Ohio State gave him limited playing time in 2022 when he recorded just 92 yards on 15 runs. However, Trayanum was Ohio State’s second-leading rusher in 2023 with 373 yards and three touchdowns.
If Ohio State goes out and gets a running back with experience, it may not be a big splash like they got with Judkins last go around. The Buckeyes could opt to have a running back by committee next year and maybe Trayanum could fit into that. There is also a chance that Trayanum wants to go somewhere where he will be the guy and that is fine too.
Ohio State is expected to be aggressive in the transfer portal once again. Running back, offensive line, defensive end, and cornerback all stick out as spots the Buckeyes could look to address. The Buckeyes play Tennessee on Dec. 21, between now and then they will have some time to do some portal recruiting.
