Oregon running back Makhi Hughes will redshirt the remainder of the 2025 season after struggling to find his role in the Ducks’ offense. Head coach Dan Lanning confirmed Wednesday that Hughes requested the redshirt following an underwhelming start to his junior campaign.
Hughes has managed just 17 carries for 70 yards through four games this season. He’s added two catches for 24 yards but hasn’t scored a touchdown.
The decision removes a potential Day 2 prospect from the 2026 NFL Draft class.
Hughes transferred to Oregon after leading the American Athletic Conference in rushing attempts (258) and yards (1,378) as a freshman at Tulane. He topped 1,400 yards in 2024 and entered this season with considerable draft hype.
NFL scouts had Hughes on their radar as a potential second or third-round pick before his slow start in Eugene.
Running Back Depth Chart Changes
Freshman Dierre Hill Jr. has emerged as Oregon’s primary ball carrier this season. Hill has rushed for 270 yards and two touchdowns while Hughes struggled to find consistent touches.
Hughes missed Oregon’s Week 5 game at Penn State. Four different running backs have logged more carries than Hughes this season.
The Ducks’ offense has found success without significant contributions from their high-profile transfer. Oregon remains undefeated and positioned for a College Football Playoff berth.
Draft Implications
Hughes’s departure weakens an already thin 2026 running back class. The decision eliminates his opportunity to showcase his abilities against Big Ten competition and in potential playoff games.
Penn State’s Nick Singleton, Georgia’s Justice Haynes, and Minnesota’s Darius Taylor now have clearer paths to Day 2 positioning in what scouts consider a mediocre running back class.
Hughes retains four years of eligibility and can return to Oregon for the 2026 season. Hill’s presence in the backfield complicates Hughes’s path back to featured-back status.
The redshirt allows Hughes a fresh start, but his trajectory has shifted dramatically from rising transfer prospect to depth piece in Oregon’s rotation.
Hughes’s athletic ability keeps him on NFL radars for the 2027 draft, though he’ll need to re-establish himself as a featured player to regain Day 2 consideration.
