Ex-Ohio State football player just let out why he transferred to another Big Ten school out of the portal
The Ohio State Buckeyes underwent plenty of change in the last transfer portal. Now, former Buckeye James Peoples is getting honest about his switch to Penn State.
The Ohio State football program underwent a ton of change this offseason. They’re set to have double-digit players drafted once again later this week, and they have 51 new players on the roster this spring. Saturday was a good look at many of those new faces at Ohio State’s spring game.
Ohio State lost over 30 players to the portal from last year’s roster. The majority of the players were depth pieces looking to get more playing time elsewhere. One of the bigger names to leave the program has opened up about his decision to transfer to a Big Ten program.
James Peoples gets real about his decision to transfer to Penn State from Ohio State
Peoples was a popular pick to be the starting running back entering last season for Ohio State. It was never the case and People’s was the No. 3 running back for the majority of the season for Ohio State, and even the No. 4 option by the end of the year when Isaiah West had bypassed him on the depth chart.
The former Buckeye ended up transferring to Penn State where he’ll be a top two option for the Nittany Lions at the position.
“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,” Peoples said of his decision to transfer to Penn State recently.
Peoples had 197 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns as a true freshman in 2024 for the Buckeyes. As a sophomore, he took just a small step forward to 344 rushing yards and a trio of touchdowns.
With two years of eligibility remaining, the Texas native is going to have a chance to become the guy at some point for the Nittany Lions over the next two seasons. Ohio State won’t play Penn State this season, so Peoples won’t see his old team unless it’s in the postseason.
“I’ve seen (Peoples) start to get more comfortable being around his teammates and just, what he does off the field, you’re starting to see it come on the field,” Penn State running backs coach Savon Huggins stated, via Penn Live. “I’m very encouraged with where he started to where he’s at right now.”
