James Peoples' next hurdle will be finding a new school in the transfer portal.
After two years with the Buckeyes, Peoples entered the transfer portal on Friday and will continue his college football career elsewhere.
NEW: Ohio State RB James Peoples plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, @PeteNakos reports.
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 2, 2026
Peoples rushed for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. https://t.co/kSYG7dZ8sR pic.twitter.com/vLRorWjoZB
Ohio State's RB3 behind TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins in 2024, Peoples was the frontrunner to take over as the Buckeyes' lead ballcarrier in 2025. He started the season neck-and-neck on the depth chart with West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson, but as the year progressed, the sophomore from San Antonio fell behind Bo Jackson, Donaldson and Isaiah West to RB4. He ended 2025 with just 61 carries for 344 yards and three touchdowns.
Peoples had his moments this fall, including a two-touchdown performance in Ohio State's win over UCLA. His first score featured a hurdle that produced one of the best highlights of the season.
PEOPLES HURDLE FOR THE TD @OhioStateFB
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2025
:NBC pic.twitter.com/LdoQzT6UUy
In two seasons with the Buckeyes, Peoples recorded 110 carries for 541 yards (4.9 yards per attempt) and five touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 48 yards.
Peoples becomes the 10th overall scholarship player from Ohio State’s 2025 roster to announce he’ll enter the portal, also joining quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, tight end Jelani Thurman, running back Sam Dixon, wide receiver Damarion Witten and defensive ends C.J. Hicks, Dominic Kirks and Logan George.
