Ohio State running back transfer explains decision to head to Penn State: Buckeye Breakfast Former Ohio State running back James Peoples explained his decision to transfer to Penn State, citing a desire to continue growing as a player and compete for a national championship. Peoples, a member of the 2024 recruiting class from Texas, rushed for 344 yards and one touchdown during his time with the Buckeyes. Speaking with reporters at Penn State, Peoples said, “Things that were really on my bucket list, was a place where I can continue to grow, where I have a coach and team that’s willing to take me in and let me be an impactful player, and fight for a national championship.” His comments were reported by Penn Live. Peoples departed for State College this offseason after Penn State lost running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton to the NFL Draft. Ohio State returns second-year running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West for the 2026 season. Ohio State and Penn State are not scheduled to play each other until 2028, meaning Peoples may not face his former team during his college career. In related news, Ohio State’s men’s tennis team won its 20th-straight Big Ten title on Sunday with a 4-0 victory over Nebraska. The Buckeyes finished the season 27-3 overall and 12-1 in Big Ten play. As the No. 2 seed, Ohio State will play Thursday, April 30, at the 2026 Big Ten Tournament against the winner of the match between No. 10 seed Nebraska or No. 7 Michigan.
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