OFFICIAL: Buckeyes Strengthen Run Game With Addition Of 4-Star RB James Peoples

The San Antonio native is headed up north for his college career.

James Peoples is headed to Columbus. 

Peoples, a longtime commit to Ohio State, officially signed his letter of intent to play for the Buckeyes in 2024. He is expected to be a focal point on the offense as soon as this fall with multiple departures at the position this offseason 

Throughout the recruiting process, Peoples stayed loyal to Ryan Day, Tony Alford and the Buckeyes' coaching staff. He committed to the Buckeyes over programs such as Oklahoma, Alabama, Texas, TCU and Oregon.

A native of San Antonio (Texas), Peoples has ties to the state of Ohio based on bloodlines. His mother and father grew up in Cleveland and Youngstown, respectively, before deciding to move the family down south. 

Ohio State running back commit James Peoples  / Ohio State Athletics

Peoples became a household name by the end of his junior season at Veterans Memorial High School, rushing for 2,044 yards and 31 touchdowns on 208 carries. Last season, he surpassed the 1,000-marker for the third time in his career. 

Ohio State needed to bolster its running back room following the departures of Evan Pryor (Cincinnati) and Chip Trayanum (Kentucky). TreVeyon Henderson could also leave Columbus should he elect to enter the NFL draft this upcoming April. 

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Peoples is one of two running backs as part of the 2024 recruiting class, joining three-star Sam Williams Dixon. Last season, Ohio State finished 87th nationally in rushing yards (142.3 per game) and 72nd in yards per play (4.2). 

You can follow along with all the Early Signing Day news surrounding the Buckeyes here with our signing day tracker that will be updated throughout the day.