Eric Boggs
As Ohio State gears up for the 2025 college football season, two Buckeyes are turning heads with their offseason performances. Running back James Peoples and linebacker Arvell Reese have been making waves in winter workouts, signaling promising developments for both the offense and defense.
James Peoples: The Emerging RB1
A former four-star recruit out of San Antonio, Texas, James Peoples arrived in Columbus with high expectations. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound running back saw limited action as a true freshman in 2024, logging 49 carries for 197 yards and two touchdowns. However, his performance in winter conditioning suggests he’s ready for a bigger role in Ohio State’s backfield.
With the departures of Travion Henderson and Quinshon Judkins to the NFL, the Buckeyes are looking for a new leader in the running back room. Peoples appears to be stepping up, impressing coaches and teammates alike with his strength, agility, and work ethic.
Ohio State has also added West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson Jr. to the mix, but Peoples’ combination of speed, vision, and power makes him a strong candidate to be the team’s featured back. The Buckeyes may adopt a two-back system to manage workloads over what is now a grueling 16-game schedule, but Peoples seems primed to be the leading rusher heading into spring ball.
Arvell Reese: The Next Star on Defense
On the defensive side of the ball, Arvell Reese is making his presence felt. The Glenville High School product, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 240 pounds, is being touted as an “SEC-style linebacker.” That’s high praise, and it’s well-deserved given his combination of size, speed, and hitting ability.
With Ohio State replacing eight defensive starters from last season, Reese is expected to take on a much bigger role in 2025. The linebacker room has strong returning talent with the return of Sonny Styles. Reese’s development is crucial in replacing Cody Simon, who led the team with 112 tackles and seven sacks last season.
Reese’s biggest challenge will be refining the mental aspects of his game—understanding offensive tendencies, reading plays, and improving communication on the field. He has the physical tools to excel, and his offseason dedication suggests he’s well on his way to earning a starting spot.
What This Means for Ohio State
The news of Peoples and Reese excelling in winter workouts is a promising sign for a team looking to reload rather than rebuild. The offensive line is shaping up to be one of the team’s biggest strengths, which bodes well for Peoples’ success. On defense, Reese’s emergence provides stability in a linebacker unit undergoing significant change.
As Ohio State fans eagerly await spring practices, all eyes will be on these two young stars to see if their offseason momentum translates to on-field dominance in the fall. If their winter performances are any indication, Buckeye Nation has plenty to be excited about heading into the 2025 season.
