James Peoples Hurdles His Way to 20-Yard Touchdown in Highlight Reel Moment vs. UCLA

With less than a minute and a half remaining in the second quarter, Peoples took a handoff to the right side against UCLA's beleaguered defense and made a sharp inside-outside cut to leave one man between him and the end zone. That man, Bruin defensive back Cole Martin, dove at Peoples' thighs in an attempt to stop him.

Peoples leaped what seemed to be 10 feet in the air to hurdle clean over Martin, land on both feet and dash the remaining 9 yards for a 20-yard touchdown.

PEOPLES HURDLE FOR THE TD @OhioStateFB

:NBC pic.twitter.com/LdoQzT6UUy

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2025

The play only gets more impressive the more angles one sees of it.

These angles of that Peoples hurdle @OhioStateFB

:NBC pic.twitter.com/WqgFIvrl7r

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2025

While freshmen Bo Jackson and Isaiah West made their own big plays in the first half as Ohio State's top two running backs (CJ Donaldson was listed as questionable and has not played thus far against UCLA), Peoples' run of play recently is making a case for more carries. He finished the first half vs. the Bruins with two rushes for 21 yards and the touchdown with one reception for 5 yards.

The Buckeyes took a 27-0 lead into half over UCLA thanks in part to Peoples' efforts.