James Peoples to Penn State

Penn State added former Ohio State running back James Peoples, giving its 2026 backfield a transfer with Big Ten carries already on his résumé. (pennlive.com) Peoples told PennLive he chose Penn State because he wanted a program “committed to optimizing” his growth, and his move became public in April 2026 after two seasons in Columbus. (pennlive.com) At Ohio State in 2025, Peoples ran 61 times for 344 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He also caught 10 passes for 50 yards. (espn.com) His biggest rushing day came against Rutgers on Nov. 22, 2025, when he broke a 49-yard run and finished with 55 yards on three carries. He scored twice against UCLA on Nov. 15, 2025. (espn.com) Penn State is replacing Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, the two backs PennLive described as among the most productive in program history. That left the Nittany Lions looking for proven carries as they rebuilt the room for 2026. (pennlive.com) Peoples arrives as a 5-foot-10, 206-pound back listed on Penn State’s 2026 roster after transferring in. Penn State’s official bio also notes he was a highly rated Texas recruit coming out of Veterans Memorial High School in San Antonio. (gopsusports.com) The transfer also cuts across one of the Big Ten’s biggest rivalries. Peoples had four carries for 19 yards against Penn State in Ohio State’s 38-14 win on Nov. 1, 2025, before switching sides in the offseason. (espn.com) Ohio State’s 2025 depth chart had grown crowded, with Cleveland.com reporting in January that Peoples had slipped behind C.J. Donaldson, Bo Jackson and Isaiah West by the end of the season before entering the portal. (cleveland.com) For Penn State, the bet is straightforward: a back who produced 344 yards in a limited role at Ohio State now gets a chance to compete for touches in State College. (espn.com)