The Oregon Ducks have reloaded once again. Under Dan Lanning, they’ve become a national title contender year in and year out — and this offseason, they added one of the most productive running backs in college football.
But somehow, that addition is already being overlooked.
Former Tulane star Makhi Hughes came in at No. 37 overall on Pro Football Focus’ list of the top 50 players heading into the 2025 season. Solid, right? Sure — until you realize he’s the fourth-ranked running back on that list.
And that’s where the disrespect starts.
“Hughes' 2,776 rushing yards since 2023 are the most of any returning FBS running back by 476 yards,” PFF wrote. “His 92.2 career PFF overall grade ranks second only to 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.”
So why is he behind anyone? Ahead of Hughes in the rankings are Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton, Louisville’s Isaac Brown, and Washington’s Jonah Coleman.
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All four are big names. But none of them have matched Hughes’ production — and most of them haven’t come close.
He’s coming off back-to-back 1,300-yard seasons. Last year, he ran for 1,401 yards and scored 17 touchdowns — all while carrying the offense at Tulane. That’s not just solid. That’s elite.
Now Hughes is stepping into an Oregon offense that’s turned backs like Bucky Irving and Jordan James into household names. He has already proven he can produce at a high level. Now he gets to do it on a bigger stage.
The opportunity is there — it’s up to him to take it. Don’t be surprised when he makes his case loud and clear.