Penn State is replacing two of the most productive running backs in program history — Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton.
James Peoples wanted to play for a program that was committed to optimizing his growth.
And it doesn’t hurt that the Nittany Lions have a couple of openings on their running back depth chart.
Peoples, a junior running back who played at Ohio State in 2025, believes he is an ideal fit in Matt Campbell’s program.
“Things that were really on my bucket list, was a place where I can continue to grow, where I have a coach and team that’s willing to take me in and let me be an impactful player, and fight for a national championship,” the 5-foot-10, 210-pound Peoples said last week when asked about his decision to become a Nittany Lion.
“This place (Penn State) has all of that.”
Peoples is competing with Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen and redshirt sophomore Quinton Martin (Belle Vernon) for the No. 1 job.
Hansen, who ran for 950 yards in 2025 and was a second-team All-Big 12 pick, is the likely starter, but there is time for Peoples to make a strong push.
Peoples, a Texas prep star, ran for 344 yards and three touchdowns for Ohio State last season.
Peoples is working with first-year running backs coach Savon Huggins.
“He’s on my butt, and I appreciate him for that,” Peoples said of Huggins. “Of course, there’s areas of my game where I can improve, and areas that I’m good at. Everybody has that.
“He’s really been impressing on me that: We gotta improve on everything. … We can always get better. You’ve never arrived.”
Huggins spent the five previous seasons working with Boston College’s running backs.
“It’s been really good,” Huggins said last week about working with Peoples. “I think the big thing — when I got hired I can’t stress this enough — is getting to know these young men. Before I can teach them about plays and the scheme, you gotta really get to know them. I’m going to hold them accountable to a really, really high standard. It’s not always going to be something that’s going to feel good.
“Telling the truth is really where you see incremental growth, and you’re seeing that in (Peoples’) game. All these young men want to get coached hard, but it’s how you coach them. I’ve seen (Peoples) start to get more comfortable being around his teammates and just, what he does off the field, you’re starting to see it come on the field. I’m very encouraged with where he started to where he’s at right now.”
