Chip Trayanum returned to running back in Ohio State’s win over Iowa, but is the move permanent?

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Chip Trayanum started his college career as a running back at Arizona State before entering the transfer portal and joining the Ohio State football team in the spring.

But the Buckeyes always saw him as a linebacker, even in high school, and his decision to return to his home state presented the chance to do so. So far, he’s served in a backup role while also operating as the team’s kick returner, thanks to Emeka Egbuka taking on more responsibilities as a wide receiver. But the growing concerns about the depth in the running back room have always left the thought in the back of one’s mind of if Trayanum would ever make the switch back to the position, even if it were for a short period of time.

That finally happened during a 54-10 win over Iowa, and it’s something that’s been in the works for a few weeks.

“Chip really came to us a couple of weeks ago and said, ‘If you need anything on offense, I’m here for you,’ which is just the way he is,” head coach Ryan Day. “(He’s) really an unbelievable person. We just felt like the time was right.”

Ohio State is already without Evan Pryor this season after he suffered a knee injury in fall camp. Then it lost walk-on T.C. Caffey to a season-ending injury as well. TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams have thrived as co-starter, while Dallan Hayden has proven to be a quality RB3 being asked to do more than anticipated as a true freshman.

DraftKings Sportsbook

STATES: OHIO PRE-REG

GET THE APP

PRE-REGISTRATION

$200 BONUS

+ NEW USER OFFER AT LAUNCH

BET NOW

But the problem is that Henderson and Williams have been playing musical chairs with the starting role thanks to a series of injuries both have dealt. The win over the Hawkeyes was actually the first game in weeks that both were available.

That lack of depth was noticeable against Michigan State when Henderson had to leave the game briefly, and OSU had to offset it with former walk-on Xavier Johnson, who’s spent time in both the running back and wide receiver rooms during his career.

Trayanum warmed up as a running back in pregame while maintaining his roles on different special teams units once the game started. Then he got his first carry with the game well-decided in the fourth quarter with a nine-yard gain. Now the only question is if that’ll be his last as a Buckeye or if it’s the first of many in a room needing healthy scholarship players.

“That just means (Palaie Gaoteote IV)’s gonna have to do a good job of stepping up over there and be the fourth linebacker for us,” Day said. “We’ll get Teradja (Mitchell) back, so we’ll have some depth over there at linebacker. Chip can help us out on offense. He certainly has experience of playing last year so it’s good to get him out there and get him part of the unit because I think we’re gonna need him.”

More Buckeyes coverage

Will Ohio State dominate every remaining pass defense? And out of control head coach power: Buckeye Talk

Noah Ruggles earns Big Ten Player of the Week following career day against Iowa

How Malik Harrison’s head kept the Ravens from blowing another double-digit lead: Ohio State NFL roundup

Ohio State beat Iowa, as the offense was tested, while the defense dominated: Buckeye Talk

Instinct led Ohio State’s Tommy Eichenberg down the pick-six path against Iowa

What is Ohio State football’s point spread at Penn State? College betting lines

AP Top 25: Where is Ohio State football in the Week 9 college rankings?

Zach Harrison is finally emerging as Ohio State’s next first-round edge rusher: Stephen Means’ Observations

Ohio State football’s defense buried Iowa, proving it can stymie Georgia or Clemson later

–

Get the latest Ohio State Buckeyes merchandise: Here’s where you can order Ohio State football gear online, including jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and much more.

If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.