Ohio State Buckeyes RB James Peoples Signs NIL Deal

Rising-sophomore Devin Royal will remain in his hometown next season, buying in to the plan of new Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler.

This season, James Peoples will be driving home from Ohio Stadium in style.

The Ohio State Buckeyes running back signed the first name, image and likeness (NIL) deal of his collegiate career on Thursday. Part of Peoples' agreement with Jeff Wyler Chevrolet of Columbus was a brand-new 2024 Dodge Durango SRT.

Former Buckeyes quarterback Troy Smith and Danny David of "Trending Talent" were instrumental in negotiating Peoples' deal. David said he was surprised Peoples did not already have a contract with one of the city's several dealerships but was happy he could right that wrong.

"In today's day and age, it's almost a given that one of the top running backs in the country coming from Texas, heading to the world's most renowned brand and starting early, should have access to a vehicle upon arrival," David said. "But as life often proves, things don't always go as planned."

"(Peoples) had his heart set on a car, which was entirely understandable given his status," David said. "Luckily, Troy (Smith) and I had built a strong relationship with the manager of Jeff Wyler in Columbus, who we knew would treat him like one of her own."

Peoples is now the first-ever NIL signee for the Jeff Wyler Automotive family, along with being the lone Ohio State freshman football player with a vehicle covered through an endorsement deal.

David said this first-of-its-kind partnership with Jeff Wyler of Columbus is just the beginning for him, Smith and "Trending Talent."

"This collaboration will lead to the creation of some truly innovative marketing campaigns tailored for football season and beyond," David said.