Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Penn State Football is slated to land a transfer from their arch rival. Former Ohio State Running Back, James Peoples has committed to Penn State.
The Nittany Lions will be getting a highly talented Running Back with 2 remaining years of eligibility.
Does James Peoples Complete the Penn State Backfield?
Over Peoples’ 2 year Buckeye career he racked up 541 yards on 110 carries for five touchdowns. Peoples’ had his most productive year in 2025, in which he factored into 11 games. In total on Peoples’ sophomore campaign he ran for 344 yards and three touchdowns.
Coming out of high school, James Peoples was a very highly regarded recruit. Out of San Antonio, Texas, Peoples ranked as a 4-star top 150 recruit. Being the prospect he was, he could have gone essentially anywhere, but Peoples chose Ohio State.
Where things stand now, it would appear that James Peoples, Quinton Martin, and Carson Hansen would all lobby for the RB1 role. All three are talented and bring different skillsets to the table. However, how would the carries be divided?
It’s a good problem to have for Penn State. Matt Campbell didn’t bring Hansen over here to not tote the rock. He also didn’t keep Quinton Martin around to sit the bench. So it will be fascinating to see how Campbell divvy’s up the carries. No matter how you slice it, all three will factor into the equation. Peoples’ will round out a Running Back room full of options.
Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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