In a stunning turn of events, four-star running back James Peoples, who had previously committed to Ohio State, has officially flipped his commitment to Florida State University. The highly sought-after recruit made the announcement earlier today, sending shockwaves through the college football world and solidifying the Seminoles’ position as one of the top contenders in the recruiting landscape for the 2025 class.
Peoples, a dynamic and explosive running back out of San Antonio, Texas, had been committed to Ohio State for several months, with many experts predicting that he would be a key part of the Buckeyes’ future backfield. However, after taking multiple visits to Florida State, the talented prospect decided to make a dramatic change in his recruitment, choosing to join head coach Mike Norvell’s program in Tallahassee.
The decision to flip his commitment to Florida State comes as a major victory for Norvell and his coaching staff, who have been working diligently to build a powerhouse in the ACC. Peoples, known for his speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, is considered one of the top running backs in the 2025 recruiting class and a potential game-changer for the Seminoles’ offense.
In a statement released by Peoples, he expressed his excitement about the new chapter in his football career and his decision to join the Seminoles. “This has been a tough decision, but I feel like Florida State is the best place for me to grow as a player and a person,” Peoples said. “The coaching staff, the culture, and the opportunity to play for a program with such a rich history and tradition really made a strong impression on me. I’m excited to be a part of the Seminoles family and can’t wait to contribute to the team’s success in the coming years.”
Peoples, who has been turning heads throughout his high school career, has accumulated a long list of accolades, including multiple All-State honors and an impressive highlight reel. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in at 200 pounds, he combines the power of a bruising back with the quickness and agility of a speedy playmaker. His ability to break tackles, find gaps in the defense, and accelerate into open space has earned him comparisons to some of the most electrifying running backs in college football.
For Florida State, the flip represents a significant boost to their already impressive 2025 recruiting class. Peoples joins an already deep pool of talent, which includes top-tier offensive and defensive recruits that will help shape the future of the Seminoles program. The addition of a four-star running back like Peoples is a major statement, as Florida State continues to build momentum under Coach Norvell, who has made significant strides since taking over the program.
Norvell, who has guided Florida State to increased success in recent seasons, praised Peoples’ decision to join the Seminoles. “James is a special talent, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our football family,” Norvell said in a statement. “His ability to make plays in all areas of the game is exactly what we are looking for in our running back position. We are excited to work with James and watch him develop into one of the top players in college football.”
Peoples’ flip to Florida State is also a sign of the continued growth and development of the Seminoles’ recruiting efforts. In recent years, Florida State has seen a resurgence in both recruiting and on-field performance, and with a player of Peoples’ caliber in the fold, the Seminoles’ future looks even brighter. The addition of Peoples not only strengthens their backfield but also bolsters their recruiting class as a whole, positioning Florida State as a serious contender in the ACC and on the national stage.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle heats up, fans of Florida State are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Peoples and the impact he will have on the program. His decision to flip from Ohio State to Florida State will no doubt be a defining moment in the Seminoles’ recruiting history and could signal a shift in the balance of power in the college football landscape.
With Peoples now officially part of the Seminoles family, the excitement surrounding Florida State’s football program is at an all-time high, and expectations for the future continue to rise. The journey for James Peoples is just beginning, but with his incredible talent and determination, there’s little doubt that he will play a key role in the continued success of Florida State football in the years to come.
