DeaMonte "Chip" Trayanum is a running back and 2026 NFL Draft prospect who finished his collegiate career at the University of Toledo after previous stops at Arizona State, Ohio State, and Kentucky. A native of Akron, Ohio, Trayanum was a four-star recruit who helped Archbishop Hoban High School win three state championships as a two-way standout. He began his college career at Arizona State, where he accumulated 692 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns over two seasons before transferring to Ohio State, where he initially tried linebacker before returning to the offensive backfield and served as a contributor in the Buckeyes' rotation. After an injury-shortened stint at Kentucky in 2024, he transferred to Toledo for his final season in 2025, earning MAC Offensive Player of the Week honors twice and leading the Rockets with 182 carries for 1,015 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, adding 21 receptions for 212 yards and two scores to finish as one of the most productive backs in the Mid-American Conference.
Measured at 5-foot-11 and 228 pounds, Trayanum is a dense, physically powerful back with a linebacker's physicality who wins between the tackles with leg drive, contact balance, and a willingness to engage in pass protection that stems from his defensive background. He brings versatility as a receiver and has demonstrated the ability to handle a full workload as a featured back, with three games over 100 rushing yards in 2025, including a career-high 163-yard, two-touchdown performance in the season opener. His limitations center on below-average overall athleticism and modest top-end speed, which will likely cap his role at the NFL level. Trayanum projects as a Day 3 draft candidate with value as a short-yardage and goal-line specialist, a capable special teamer, and a power-oriented complement in a committee backfield.
