Oregon's Makhi Hughes Tabbed One of College Football's Top Returning Running Backs
Oregon has always been a destination for the best running backs in college football, and that’s no different ahead of the 2025 season, with Oregon running back Makhi Hughes being highlighted by Pro Football Focus as one of the top-ten returning running backs in the sport.
The Tulane transfer was slotted at the No. 5 spot. Three of the top five running backs on the list are in the Big Ten.
After sending Bucky Irving to the NFL in the 2024 NFL Draft, junior running back Jordan James looks to continue Oregon’s NFL pipeline in April’s draft.
Hughes spent the last three seasons at Tulane prior to transferring to Oregon. He sat out the 2022 season due to injury. But once he was healthy, he combined for nearly 2,800 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns in his last two seasons.
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Here’s what PFF’s Max Chadwhick had to say about Oregon’s newest transfer portal running back:
“Following two outstanding years at Tulane, Hughes joined Oregon as one of the offseason’s top transfer targets.
He posted 1,982 rushing yards after contact across his first two seasons of college football. Only Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton tallied more in that span, and they’ll likely be the first two running backs selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hughes’ 2,776 rushing yards since 2023 are the most of any returning FBS running back by 476 yards. His 92.2 career PFF overall grade ranks second to only Jonah Coleman among returning FBS players at the position. He doesn’t add much as a receiver (247 career receiving yards) and will need to prove he can sustain his dominance in the Big Ten, but there’s no denying Hughes is one of the best tailbacks in college football based on how he’s looked in just his first two years of college football.”
2025 season should feature some new faces in the Oregon backfield
After interviewing for the Dallas Cowboys job, it appears Ra’Shaad Samples will remain in Eugene for the 2025 season.
Fans will get to see his coaching pedigree on full display as the Ducks prepare for life after James.
They could be breaking in a number of new starters alongside Hughes, with names like Da’Jaun Riggs, Jay Harris and Jayden Limar in the mix.
