Entering the 2025 season, James Peoples was projected as a potential breakout star in Ohio State’s running back room. Now, he’s the No. 4 running back on Ohio State’s depth chart.
Expectations were high for Peoples entering the 2025 season as he drew comparisons to J.K. Dobbins from the likes of TreVeyon Henderson and Kirk Herbstreit. The sophomore running back had flashed in limited action as OSU’s No. 3 RB behind Henderson and Quinshon Judkins in 2024, and he split first-team reps with CJ Donaldson throughout the offseason.
But a slow start to the season against Texas – Peoples ran for just 20 yards on 10 carries in Ohio State’s season opener – opened the door for freshman Bo Jackson to quickly rise to the top of the Buckeyes’ running back depth chart.