Chip Trayanum's college football journey has been quite remarkable.
From Arizona State to Ohio State to Kentucky to Toledo.
Throw in a stint as a linebacker, too.
Fittingly, his final college season begins with the MAC powerhouse Rockets in Lexington against his former Wildcats.
It's as good a reason as any to revisit how this talented running back traveled a long, winding road from northeast Ohio back to northwest Ohio, with a lot of stops in between.
Chip Trayanum's recruitment
Trayanum grew up in Akron, Ohio, where he attended powerhouse Archbishop Hoban, started for four years and won three state titles.
He was a four-star recruit out of high school who had the choice to play linebacker or running back in college.
Trayanum committed to Arizona State and started every game as a true freshman before playing well as a sophomore as well and choosing to transfer back home to Ohio State.
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Chip Trayanum's linebacker time at Ohio State
When Trayanum got to Columbus, he transitioned to linebacker.
That first season, he ended up spending time as a return man, too. He ended up back at RB by the end of the year and ran for 83 yards against Michigan.
In 2023, he was the third-string RB and scored the game-winning touchdown in a 17-14 win over Notre Dame.
Why Chip Trayanum went to Kentucky, then transferred away
Trayanum transferred to Kentucky following the 2023 season in pursuit of more playing time.
He didn't get it, though. Trayanum made it into just three games, running 19 times for 101 yards and not finding the end zone.
After the season, he entered the transfer portal again.
This time, he went to a Group of 5 conference and chose Toledo. It was a chance to be closer to home, and a chance to be a star on a team with darkhorse College Football Playoff ambitions.
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Chip Trayanum expectations at Toledo
Trayanum is expected to be a star for the Rockets. The 227-pound bruiser is pumped heading into Week 1.
“This city has done nothing but welcome me with open arms,” Trayanum told the Toledo Blade. “Being here with the team, just steady grinding and steady building since January, I believe we’re ready. I’m going into it like any other game. I try to prepare like every game is a big game so emotions don’t even become a factor. For me, it’s just about staying consistent to my process, staying consistent to the film study, and then staying consistent to your assignment.”
He wants to leave a legacy in his one year with the Rockets.
“I would definitely love to leave my mark on Toledo,” Trayanum told the Blade. “Some way, somehow.”
Chip Trayanum's real name
If you're wondering, Chip isn't Trayanum's first name.
His full name: DeaMonte Trayanum.
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