Former Tulane star, Makhi Hughes steps back at Oregon, looking to reset after crowded depth chart.
Oregon’s backfield has been one of the deepest in college football this season, but that depth has now cost a veteran playmaker his season. Running back Makhi Hughes, who transferred from Tulane after back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns, has officially requested a redshirt after slipping down the Ducks’ rotation.
Hughes entered the year with high expectations. He was a preseason All-American and posted 1,401 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns last season. But through Oregon’s first four games, he managed only 17 carries for 70 yards and two catches for 24 yards.
Hughes saw his opportunities shrink behind Noah Whittington, standout freshman Dierre Hill Jr., Jayden Limar, and Jordon Davison. He did not travel with the Ducks for their win at Penn State.
Dan Lanning praised Hughes’ work ethic but admitted the staff had “a lot of really, really talented players” competing for carries.
By redshirting, Hughes preserves two full seasons of eligibility. He had already redshirted his freshman year at Tulane due to injury.
While the Ducks keep rolling behind Hill Jr. and Whittington, Hughes resets and looks toward a fresh chance, whether in Eugene or elsewhere.
For Oregon, the message is clear: competition is fierce, and even proven stars must fight for every snap.
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