Former Ohio State Star Running Back Transfers to Penn State

James Peoples' surprise move shakes up the Big Ten football landscape

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting a college football player in motion, with sharp planes of color representing the official uniforms of Ohio State and Penn State, conveying the conceptual drama of an intra-conference transfer.A cubist interpretation of a college football running back's transfer between Big Ten rivals, capturing the dynamic movement and shifting perspectives of this high-profile move.Penn State Erie Today

James Peoples, a former star running back for Ohio State, has announced he is transferring to Penn State, a direct conference rival of his former team. Peoples expressed gratitude for his time with the Buckeyes, but his playing time decreased in the 2025 season, leading him to seek a new opportunity. This move could provide Peoples a chance to reclaim his status as a premier running back, as Penn State has vacancies in their running back room after losing their top two rushers from last season.

Why it matters

Peoples' transfer is the second time this year an Ohio State player has joined a Big Ten rival, following Bryce West's commitment to Wisconsin. This trend of intra-conference transfers is a hot topic among fans and analysts, sparking debates about player loyalty and the evolving dynamics of college football. Additionally, Ohio State and Penn State are not scheduled to face each other this season, unless a postseason matchup occurs, adding further intrigue to Peoples' decision.

The details

In his announcement, Peoples acknowledged the relationships he built during his two years with the Buckeyes, but noted his playing time took a significant dip in the 2025 season as he was outshone by younger talents Bo Jackson and Isaiah West. This development sparked Peoples' decision to seek a new opportunity at Penn State, where he hopes to reclaim his status as a premier running back.

  • Peoples announced his transfer in April 2026.
  • Peoples played for Ohio State in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

The players

James Peoples

A former star running back for Ohio State who has transferred to Penn State.

Bo Jackson

A younger running back at Ohio State who outshone Peoples in the 2025 season.

Isaiah West

A younger running back at Ohio State who outshone Peoples in the 2025 season.

Bryce West

An Ohio State player who transferred to Wisconsin earlier this year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm grateful for my time at Ohio State and the relationships I built there, but I'm excited for this new opportunity at Penn State.”

— James Peoples

What’s next

Peoples will have to compete for a starting role at Penn State, as the Nittany Lions have vacancies in their running back room after losing their top two rushers from the previous season. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if Peoples can reclaim his status as a premier running back in the Big Ten.

The takeaway

Peoples' transfer to Penn State is the latest example of the evolving dynamics in college football, where players are increasingly willing to join conference rivals in search of more playing time and opportunities. This trend raises questions about player loyalty and the future of intra-conference transfers in the sport.