Oregon’s Makhi Hughes to Redshirt After Limited Role This Season

Oregon, USA — Oregon’s head coach Dan Lanning announced Wednesday that running back Makhi Hughes has requested to redshirt this season. Lanning confirmed that the team would honor Hughes’ decision, allowing him to maintain eligibility for future seasons.

Hughes, a preseason All-American and highly ranked transfer, joined Oregon after a standout season where he rushed for 1,401 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. He was highly anticipated to be a major contributor to the Ducks’ offense this year. However, through four games, Hughes has only seen limited action, running the ball just 17 times for 70 yards without a touchdown.

The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back from Alabama did not participate in Oregon’s recent game against Penn State, which the Ducks won in overtime. Instead, the team has relied on other running backs, including freshman standout Dierre Hill Jr., who has impressed with 270 yards on 26 carries and a team-high seven rushing touchdowns.

Oregon’s rushing attack remains robust, currently ranked in the top 15 nationally, despite Hughes’ absence from a significant role. The success of players like Hill Jr., alongside veterans Noah Whittington and Jayden Limar, has helped cushion the impact of Hughes’ limited contributions.

Hughes had previously missed the entire 2022 season due to injury and had taken a medical redshirt. With this latest decision to redshirt, he will enter next season with two years of eligibility left. His transfer to Oregon was, in part, to play with his half-brother, Na’eem Offord, a top cornerback recruit for the Ducks.

This situation raises questions about Hughes’ future with the team and whether he might pursue transfer options again after this season.