Tulane transfer RB Makhi Hughes expected to commit to Oregon

Former Tulane running back Makhi Hughes is expected to commit to Oregon, On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed. Hughes spent three seasons at Tulane, including his redshirt season in 2022.

In his two seasons with the Green Wave, Hughes amassed 523 carries for 2,779 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Hughes also hauled in 30 catches for 243 yards and two scores over the two-season stint.

Hughes’ 1,401 rushing yards this season are the ninth-most among FBS running backs this season. Alas, all eight running backs currently ahead of Hughes on the FBS rushing leaderboard are entering the NFL draft after this season.

For his success on the field, Hughes was named an All-AAC First Team member in both the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. He was also named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, annually given to the nation’s top running back.

Hughes played high school football at Huffman (AL), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 1,349 overall recruit and No. 89 running back in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Hughes is the older brother of incoming Oregon five-star plus+ cornerback signee Na’eem Offord, who flipped his commitment from Ohio State to the Ducks during the early signing period last month.

Hughes is the No. 1 running back and No. 2 available player in the transfer portal, according to On3’s Transfer Portal Player Rankings. He will only improve Oregon’s already excellent transfer class, which also includes standouts such as Bear Alexander and Jac’Qawn McRoy.

Oregon will be hungry for improvement this offseason after falling in stunning 41-21 fashion to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. With Hughes in their backfield, the Ducks have an excellent chance at returning to the CFP next season.

Makhi Hughes might not be Oregon’s last offseason addition. The transfer portal officially opened on Dec. 7 and closed on Dec. 28, though players on teams still playing in the postseason will get an additional five-day window to enter the portal after their seasons end.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.