Ohio State sophomore running back James Peoples is still carving out his role in a crowded Buckeyes backfield, but his résumé already reflects why he was such a coveted recruit. Peoples appeared in eight games during the 2024 season and earned his first Varsity O letter, totaling 87 plays—the second most among all Ohio State freshmen offensive players behind only star wideout Jeremiah Smith. He also finished as the Buckeyes’ leading returning rusher, tallying 197 yards on 49 carries. That type of efficiency positioned him as a crucial piece heading into 2025, and it’s not surprising given he was rated the nation’s No. 4 RB coming out of Veterans Memorial High School in Texas.

Where is James Peoples from, and what is his nationality?

Peoples’s background is layered with both international and athletic roots. He was born in Germany to Nakisha and James Peoples II before his family eventually settled in Texas. His father, James Peoples II, was once a quarterback at Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio, while his mother, Nakisha, starred on the track and became a Hall of Fame athlete at Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania. That athletic pedigree runs deep in his family. The family’s time in Germany was tied to his father’s military career, which eventually uprooted them to Texas in 2009. While Peoples now proudly represents Ohio State football in Columbus, his journey began on a different continent, giving him a background that blends American athletic tradition with international upbringing.

What is James Peoples’s ethnicity?

James Peoples comes from African descent, a heritage that sits at the core of his identity. His background ties him not only to his family’s American athletic roots but also to his German birthplace. That unique combination has given him a perspective that many of his teammates don’t share—balancing the discipline and structure instilled by his father’s military service with the cultural richness of being born abroad. His ethnicity has been an anchor point in shaping both his personal pride and his professional identity as one of the next potential feature backs in Ohio State’s storied backfield lineage.

Is James Peoples African-American?

Yes, Peoples is African-American, while also holding German ties through his place of birth. That dual identity has become a central part of his narrative as a young athlete, shaping the way he carries himself both on and off the field.

Influence of Upbringing on Faith and Character

Faith has always played an important role in shaping Peoples’s character. While he hasn’t spoken at length publicly about denominational specifics, his upbringing reflects the values of resilience, discipline, and gratitude often tied to Christian faith. Growing up in a military family, with the constant need to adapt to new places and challenges, reinforced his work ethic and toughness.