Dan Lanning shares update regarding Oregon Ducks prized offseason addition
Oregon Ducks highly prized transfer Makhi Hughes has asked to redshirt Dan Lanning said at his press conference.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning revealed Wednesday during his weekly press conference that running back Makhi Hughes, who did not travel with the Ducks for last weekend’s game at Penn State, has requested to redshirt this season.
Makhi Hughes experiment may be over for Oregon
Hughes arrived in Eugene this offseason as one of the most coveted transfer portal additions in the country. The former Tulane standout rushed for 1,290 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024, showcasing himself as one of the premier backs in the AAC and drawing interest from several top Power Five programs. His commitment to Oregon was seen as a major transfer portal victory and raised expectations that he would immediately bolster the Ducks’ ground game.
So far, however, Hughes has struggled to find a rhythm in Eugene. With Noah Whittington healthy again and true freshman Dierre Hill Jr. providing a burst of explosiveness, the Ducks’ backfield rotation has left little room for Hughes to make an impact. Oregon has continued to run the ball effectively without him, but the physical presence he was expected to bring has yet to materialize.
By requesting a redshirt, Hughes will preserve a year of eligibility and aim to reset his college career. Whether his next step is competing for a larger role in Eugene or exploring another opportunity down the road, Hughes’ decision underscores how competitive and crowded Oregon’s backfield has become in 2025.
