Some games on the schedule are just different. This Saturday is one of them. When the Toledo Rockets come to Kroger Field, all eyes will be on their starting running back, a familiar face with a major score to settle. His name is Chip Trayanum, and he’s coming back to Lexington for revenge.
When Trayanum transferred from Ohio State to Kentucky, the expectations were high. He was seen as a key piece to bolster the Wildcats’ running game. But due to injuries and circumstance, it never panned out. Trayanum’s 2024 season in Lexington was a quiet one, limited to just 19 carries for 101 yards and no touchdowns. That’s just a pretty good game for most backs, not a whole season. After the season, he entered the Transfer Portal again, landing at Toledo. Now, in a classic college football twist of fate, he returns to face his former team in week 1.
The promise that never was
Chip Trayanum’s stint at Kentucky was short and largely unfulfilled. Injuries derailed his progress, preventing him from ever truly showcasing the power and versatility that made him a sought-after transfer. He never quite found his footing in the Wildcats’ offense, and the vision of him as a lead back remained just that — a vision. Until he found his new home with Toledo.
A new home and a bigger role
.@ToledoFB RB Chip Trayanum scored the game-winning touchdown for Ohio State against Notre Dame back in the 2023 season.@Chipperrz_ discusses how the person who scored that TD is different from the person being interviewed. Full convo airs tonight at 10:30 PM on @BCSNsports. pic.twitter.com/eoNsSlUvwR
— Yaw Bonsu (@yawbonsu27) August 28, 2025
In Toledo, Trayanum isn’t just another body in the running back room; he’s a focal point. His new teammates and coaches are already raving about his talent and the impact he’s made.
“He’s a special player,” Toledo’s right guard Ethan Spoth said, indicating the immediate impression Trayanum has made. Rockets head coach Jason Candle echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the team’s shift to a stronger ground game this season:…