See how three fan-favorite Ohio State transfers are faring with their new teams

The 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes certainly aren't hurting for talent. With two commanding wins in the book and another certain victory in Week 4, the Buckeyes are loaded. No one can complain about the team's ability to replace three key departed playmakers from last year's team.

Wide receiver Julian Fleming and running backs Chip Trayanum and Dallan Hayden had moments of brilliance while with the Buckeyes. Most of their best moments came in 2022.

Whether it was Hayden's combined 248 yards against Indiana and Maryland in 2022, Trayanum's 83 yards against Michigan that season, or Fleming's solid outings against Iowa, Michigan, and Georgia, these three were major parts of the offense. Let's see how each has done in their new homes.

Dallan Hayden, Colorado

Hayden fled to Colorado, which seemed like a promising place for him to see the field and play a ton. A talented runner who can effectively find space, Hayden hasn't lived up to expectations for Coach Prime. Injuries have played a part, as he'll likely be out again in Week 4.

With only 14 carries for 52 yards and three receptions for 41 yards, Hayden has been a major disappointment thus far. Ohio State hasn't needed him, and he'd likely be behind James Peoples anyway, but it's an unfortunate start to his career in Boulder, and he could be looking for a new home again this winter.

Chip Trayanum, Kentucky

Another injured back from Ohio State is Trayanum. The gritty former linebacker convert hasn't played at all for Kentucky due to a hand injury. This has been a heartbreaking outcome for Trayanum, who was in line to be the lead back for the Wildcats.

Instead, senior Demie Sumo-Karnbgaye has been the focal point of the run game. It's hard to know whether Trayanum will have a major role in what's been an inefficient rushing attack thus far. He's in the last year of eligibility, so we hope to see him playing sooner than later.

Julian Fleming, Penn State

Running backs getting hurt or buried on a depth chart is less surprising than what's happened to Julian Fleming at Penn State. The four-year Buckeye seemed to be a good second or third option for the Nittany Lions, but he has only one reception for three yards in two games.

Some of that has to do with the Penn State offense ranking 15th of 18 Big Ten teams in plays. The Nittany Lions don't sustain drives effectively, and they feed their backs and tight ends more when they do. If they averaged 30 more plays a game, Fleming would invariably get targets.

Consider that receivers Harrison Wallace III and Liam Clifford combined for one catch in their last game, highlighting a unit struggling, not just Fleming.