Chip Trayanum was clear culture fit for Kentucky

Heading into the game against Louisville, offensive coordinator Liam Coen stated that the Kentucky offense needs to address leadership when the first transfer portal window rolled around. On Wednesday, tight ends coach Vince Marrow confirmed that “leadership was down on offense” in 2023. The Wildcats are looking to re-establish the culture for an offense that has seen a heavy amount of turnover in recent seasons.

Much will be put on the plate of Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff. The quarterback is always going to have to lead the way but he will get some help in this transfer portal class. Ohio State tailback Chip Trayanum was a clear fit for Kentucky both from a production standpoint and a culture standpoint.

“Chip Trayanum is one heck of a football player. Again, just like everybody we got out of the portal, extremely mature. Extremely hard working,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops told the media on Wednesday. “Great fit for us and for our culture. Very physical running back. Very excited about him.”

Marrow backed up Stoops’ statement in the same press conference.

“He’s a very high character guy. Very physical guy,” Marrow said about Trayanum. “I think the biggest part he’s going to be a great addition to leadership.”

The Ohio State transfer — and former Arizona State transfer — will bring proven Power Five production. Trayanum has rushed for 1,157 yards in his collegiate career on 5.1 yards per rush with 13 touchdowns. For the first time in his career, Kentucky will give Trayanum a chance to be a true RB1 after playing behind Tampa Bay Bucaneers tailback Rachaad White at Arizona State and in a loaded position room at Ohio State. Much will be expected of Trayanum on the field but his biggest impact could be a culture piece for the Kentucky offense.

“Chip is one of those typical Ohio guys that a lot of people like,” Lettermen Row’s Spencer Holbrook told KSR+’s Jacob Polacheck. “I’ve heard from a lot of people that he’s a good teammate. That helps you with the fan base when fans can recognize that you’re a good teammate. Kentucky fans should be happy they can root for Chip because he’s a good dude.”

Kentucky was looking for fits in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Chip Trayanum appears to be a clear fit. The Big Ten transfer fits the mold of the big backs that have succeeded in Lexington and should be a great piece to add into the locker room for a re-tooling offense.