Penn State’s roster has been absolutely filled with Iowa State transfers and former signees in recent weeks. In fact, 23 members of Penn State‘s transfer portal class come from the program. Still, that does not meant that Penn State haven’t found talent in other places either. In fact, perhaps a player from their Big Ten rivals could prove to be their finest addition yet.
James Peoples grew up as a lifelong Ohio State fan, despite spending part of his early years in Germany and growing up in Texas. As the No. 8 running back in the country in his class, there was not other option but the Buckeyes for Peoples. However, after two frustrating years in Columbus, Peoples made the crazy decision to join Ohio State’s rival, the Penn State Nittany Lions. However, considering the circumstances, you can’t really blame him.
As a true freshman, Peoples was forced to sit behind both Treveyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, two future second round NFL draft picks. This year though, Peoples was supposed to have a huge opportunity to be the RB1 for his lifelong team.
Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out that way, as he was forced to share the backfield with West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson. After a poor Week 1 performance against Texas, where he only had 20 yards on 10 carries, he was phased out of the backfield rotation, as both he and Donaldson made way for freshman sensation Bo Jackson. He was still able to rack up 344 yards and three touchdowns, but to not carve out a role in a wide open backfield must have been disappointing.
Now, with Jackson returning next year for the Buckeyes as their RB1, questions still remain about whether or not Peoples will even be RB1 for the Nittany Lions. The program also got Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen in the portal, and will return Quinton Martin, who will be a redshirt junior next year.
However, Peoples could prove to be the most explosive and dynamic of the three. He is a big, physical back who fits the Penn State mold perfectly, and will balance out the consistency of a guy like Hansen.
So while the backfield won’t entirely be Peoples’ to lose, he still could prove a valuable asset for a new look Penn State offense.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Why James Peoples could be Penn State’s breakout star of 2026
