James Peoples, a former Ohio State Buckeyes running back, has declared for the transfer portal, aiming for a new opportunity after falling behind true freshman Bo Jackson in the depth chart this season. Raised in Texas but born in Germany, the four-star recruit has confirmed plans to visit Penn State, where he hopes to rejuvenate his college football career.
Peoples concluded the 2025 season with 344 rushing yards and three touchdowns across 61 attempts, providing him with two remaining seasons of eligibility. Initially ranked as the eighth-best running back in the 2024 recruiting class, he was discovered by Ohio State’s running backs coach Tony Alford during a camp before his junior year, leading to his eventual commitment to the Buckeyes amid limited offers.
Despite expectations for a substantial role this season—especially with key players Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson transitioning to the NFL after dominating Ohio State’s national championship run—Peoples found himself third in carries. His struggles on the field were evident as he trailed behind veteran transfer CJ Donaldson and Jackson, who made an impressive debut with 1,090 yards and six touchdowns.
Peoples’ interest in the transfer portal reflects a desire for more playing time, a need compounded by Jackson’s emergence as the primary running back for the Buckeyes’ future. Penn State presents potential for a different role; however, uncertainty remains regarding how much playing time he may receive, especially with the recent commitment of experienced running back Carson Hansen from Iowa State, who accrued 952 yards and six touchdowns last season.
The Nittany Lions’ coaching staff, led by Matt Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, may present Peoples with the possibility of a shared role in the backfield, similar to what Hansen experienced at Iowa State. This approach could allow Peoples to thrive as a third-down or change-of-pace back in the offense while positioning him to be the lead back in his senior season once Hansen departs.
Although Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen will not return, Penn State still boasts promising talent, including rising star Quinton Martin Jr., who showcased his abilities in the Pinstripe Bowl, and Jabree Coleman, a highly regarded four-star prospect from the 2025 class poised to contribute soon.
While acquiring Peoples isn’t crucial for Penn State’s future, his addition would certainly enhance their running back depth and add another layer of competitiveness to the lineup despite the mixed results of former Buckeyes players transferring to the Nittany Lions.