The transfer portal is the epitome of a double-edged sword, but the Tulane Green Wave have felt more of a sting than a reward this winter. Mere weeks after starting QB Darian Mensah departed for the Duke Blue Devils, RB1 Makhi Hughes has entered the transfer portal. Where will the star rusher land?
Where Will Makhi Hughes Transfer?
Following a 2022 redshirt due to injury, Hughes has dominated the Group of Five stage, totaling 2,779 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns across the last two years.
The former three-star RB was a freshman All-American and the AAC Rookie of the Year in 2023 and earned first-team all-conference honors this season after posting a 265-1,401-15 rushing line.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
With Mensah, Hughes, and backup RB Shaadie Clayton-Johnson all leaving via the portal, head coach Jon Sumrall has his work cut out for him on the offensive side of the ball.
But that’s not for Hughes, who ran for just 29 yards against the Florida Gators in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, to worry about. Which programs are the best fits for the 1,000-yard back?
Houston Cougars
Is a reunion with head coach Willie Fritz in the cards? Fritz recruited and coached Hughes for his first two years of collegiate football, so there’s clearly a built-in trust factor. But joining the Houston Cougars also offers Hughes the opportunity to play at the Power Five level in the Big 12.
Yeah, the Cougs only went 4-8 in 2024, but they are on the come-up with QB Zeon Chriss, and Hughes could be the missing piece that helps unlock the offense.
Oregon Ducks
If the No. 1 team in the nation comes calling, Hughes will likely make Eugene, Ore., home for the next year or two. Playing time shouldn’t be difficult to come by with starting RB Jordan James presumably off to the NFL this offseason, but there’s also a familial connection.
Five-star CB Na’eem Offord, Hughes’ younger brother, flipped from the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Ducks just a few weeks ago.
Florida State Seminoles
The Florida State Seminoles offered Hughes a scholarship coming out of high school. His primary recruiter at the time? RBs coach David Johnson, who is still on the Noles’ staff.
HC Mike Norvell is gearing up for a major comeback following his team’s disastrous fall from grace in 2024. With Gus Malzahn calling the offensive plays, Hughes can expect a major workload.
Duke Blue Devils
Assuming a strong relationship, Hughes could opt to follow Mensah to Duke. The QB reportedly landed a two-year, $8 million deal to join the Blue Devils, so perhaps a move to Durham, N.C., comes with a hefty price tag.
MORE: See Every Team’s CFP Odds With the College Football Playoff Meter 2024
With the backfield’s 2024 leader, Star Thomas, in the portal, Hughes could come in and soak up all 233 of his vacated touches in 2025.
Auburn Tigers
If playing closer to home (Birmingham, Ala.) is high on Hughes’ priority list, then no program makes more sense than the Auburn Tigers. RB1 Jarquez Hunter is off to the NFL, and HC Hugh Freeze has attacked the portal for reinforcements.
The 2025 season could be his last at the helm, so expect him to do everything in his power to acquire talent and produce results.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
