US EditionPenn State Keeps Running Back Tikey Hayes, Adds Ohio State’s James Peoples
James Peoples, a four-star recruit, joins Penn State with two years eligibility after 344 rushing yards and three touchdowns at Ohio State amid backfield roster changes.
- James Peoples announced on social media Wednesday his transfer from Ohio State Buckeyes to Penn State Nittany Lions, with two years of eligibility remaining.
- After Henderson and Judkins left, James Peoples entered a platoon system but remained third in the pecking order and did not record a carry in Ohio State Buckeyes' final three games before entering the transfer portal.
- Measured at 5-10 and 206 pounds, James Peoples was a four-star recruit from San Antonio who caught 10 passes and scored three touchdowns for Ohio State Buckeyes.
- On Day 5 of the transfer portal, Peoples will join Penn State Nittany Lions' backfield and figure to compete for touches alongside Quinton Martin Jr. and Carson Hansen, Iowa State transfer.
- Amid ongoing portal churn, James Peoples’ transfer is notable as he had four rushes against Penn State previously, while eleven players enter the portal and Zuriah Fisher departs.
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Penn State keeps running back Tikey Hayes, adds Ohio State’s James Peoples
Penn State has increased its backfield depth with the addition of Ohio State’s James Peoples and the retention of freshman Tikey Hayes. Hayes, a 5-11, 205-pound freshman, announced Wednesday that he would return. He played in one game in 2025, carrying it three times for 18 yards in the Nittany Lions’ 22-20 win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. He was rated a three-star prospect who rushed for 6,995 yards and 99 touchdowns at Aliquippa High Sc…
Penn State Lands Former Ohio State RB In Transfer Portal
Penn State has added a former Ohio State RB from the transfer portal. Hayes Fawcett of On3Sports reported Tuesday night that James Peoples will play for Penn State and Matt Campbell in 2026. Peoples had an expanded role for OSU during his sophomore season, increasing his workload from 49 carries in 2024 to 61 attempts. The added opportunity translated into the best statistical season of Peoples’ college career. He rushed for 344 yards and three…
Penn State Adds Transfer Commitment From Ohio State Running Back
Penn State picked up a transfer commitment from an intraconference rival on Tuesday evening. Former Ohio State running back James Peoples pledged to the Nittany Lions, becoming the 24th portal addition in the last few days, and bringing some proven Big Ten production to Happy Valley. While Peoples was never the primary back, he saw meaningful playing time each of the last two seasons, totaling 110 carries for 541 yards and five touchdowns. He sh…
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