The Makhi Hughes hype train has arrived in Oregon as the Tulane Green Wave transfer is set to hit the turf for the Ducks in 2025.
Makhi Hughes Has the Power To Kick Start Oregon Running Game
Hughes redshirted in 2022 and then served on a committee that included five backs in 2023 for Tulane.
By Week 5, Hughes pushed hard against a high-ranked Ole Miss defense that was punishing its SEC opponents and became Tulane’s weapon of choice out of the backfield.
Hughes rushed for over 1,000 yards that year, earned Rookie of the Year honors, and capped that off with 1,577 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024.
The West Coast CFB X account posted, “The Ducks have their next star RB.” It showed highlights of Hughes’ touchdown run against the UAB Blazers last season.
Makhi Hughes transfers to Oregon after totaling 1,577 yards for Tulane in 2024.
The Ducks have their next star RB.
— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) January 7, 2025
The Geaux Ducks X account also showed a Tulane highlight of Hughes breaking tackles and running into the end zone from 50 yards out.
The post reads, “Makhi Hughes is going to SPECIAL for us,” with the emphasis on SPECIAL.
Makhi Hughes going to be SPECIAL for us
🦆 #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/kCr0Ts4RZt
— Geaux Ducks (@GeauxDuck) February 15, 2025
Hughes will have a big impact on the Ducks offense, as he can use his receiving ability, pass-protection skills, and the fact that he has two more seasons of on-field eligibility.
The Ducks’ declining rushing numbers have happened while Dan Lanning has been the coach, despite Jordan James rushing for just under 1,200 yards in 2024.
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Oregon’s rushing average has gone from 216 per game in 2022 to 184 in 2023 to 152 in 2024.
Putting Hughes in gives the Ducks an explosive option, as some of the above highlights demonstrate, with him completing 50-yard touchdown runs.
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