{
  "id": 9217439,
  "title": "Penn State transfer running back’s patience is being rewarded",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/penn-state-transfer-running-backs-patience-is-being-rewarded",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T23:00:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/penn-state-transfer-running-back-230029993.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The run game struggled for Penn State during the initial two games of the season. However, the situation took a turn this past weekend. Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser opted to showcase running back James Peoples, who capitalized on his chances with 59 yards and two touchdowns on eight runs.\n\nPeople had spent his entire tenure at Ohio State being shadowed by his fellow running backs, which could have led him to become despondent and disengaged mentally when he was pushed behind Carson Hansen earlier in the year. Yet, he maintained his composure and continued to work hard, potentially opening doors for him to secure the starting position due to his unwavering patience.\n\nAlthough Hansen is a competent player, he excels when he gets downhill and engages with the formidable bodies. In contrast, Peoples is more dynamic and possesses the speed and athleticism to break free in open spaces, deceive defenders, and score big runs, as evidenced in his performance against the Buffalo Bulls. Head coach Matt Campbell commended Peoples during the offseason, and it is now becoming apparent why he saw such promise in the former Iowa State coach's evaluation.\n\nPeople had a successful start when given the ball in the opening two weeks, but he didn't receive nearly as many opportunities. His addition to the Nittany Lions' offense could bring a fresh dynamic, making him a crucial part of the game plan. Despite concerns from pundits about the team's performance due to the high number of transfers, Peoples is demonstrating that success can be achieved regardless of the roster's composition.",
  "summary": "Penn State got running back James Peoples from the Ohio State Buckeyes, and now he’s blossoming at his new school.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Koby Howard is emerging as a serious threat for No. 13 Penn State with Wisconsin up next",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/koby-howard-is-emerging-as-a-serious-threat-for-no-13-penn-state-with-9188901",
        "published": "2026-09-22T19:41:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Koby Howard is emerging as a serious threat for No. 13 Penn State with Wisconsin up next",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/koby-howard-is-emerging-as-a-serious-threat-for-no-13-penn-state-with",
        "published": "2026-09-22T19:42:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}