Looks like we've officially lost a running back from the room. But did we really lose anything?

oregonlive

Oregon running back Makhi Hughes asks to redshirt

Hughes did not travel with the Ducks to Penn State.

It’s the best decision for the young man’s career. Oregon’s RB room is stacked and 2 true freshman appear to be the most talented of the position group.

I wish Makhi Hughes the best and hope he can find someplace to star.

And there it is.

Smart decision. But I don't see any mention that he is for sure going to transfer. Sitting out a year to develop and learn the system and then make the decision at the end of season what is best for him.

Hopefully he takes this as a great opportunity and steps up to the best scout team RB for the rest of the season.

REFUND!

No it at all surprising.

In truth I wouldn't be surprised if Hill and Davidson start taking over the RB room and rotation.

They were by far the most effective backs against PSU.

If Hughes does transfer out, which is likely, it is an incredible recruiting pitch for Lanning.

When he says "if you're good enough, you're old enough" he absolutely means it.

I don't think it would detract from transfers because we have seen so many transfers become major impact players and boost their draft stock.

But for prep recruits... They have proof they can make a major impact as true freshman if they have what it takes.

Not sure, but I suspect that it’s not as simple as saying “I am going to transfer.” He needs to have a place to go that wants and needs him. If I recall correctly, lots of young players put their names in the portal and there are no takers.

There will definitely be some takers, it's just a matter of what level they are. I'm willing to bet that Hughes could still get a call from a reasonably upper power 4 team, no idea who, but with the production he had at Tulane, I'm willing to bet somebody will have a spot for him. Makes no sense to stay here when you have two freshmen who are already ahead of you in the pecking order.

51 minutes ago, Jon Joseph said:

REFUND!

Since posting above, I read the article attached at the top of this thread as well as an article on 247. The latter says Hughes has not indicated that he wants to transfer and quotes Lanning as saying he wants to keep him.

Odds are, with Whit gone at the end of this season, and potentially a couple of the other players looking for greener pastures, this could be a brilliant move by Lanning and Hughes.

I hope he stays, but if he does transfer I’d like to see him go to Dilly at ASU.

There is no portal available at this time, except for the Stargate.

2 hours ago, Jon Joseph said:

REFUND!

Nah, my insurance man says once you pay the premium and you are insured, no refunds.

However, I'm pretty sure it was term insurance, and the term is up as soon as the portal opens.

Not sure how another year would give him more playing time. Whittington is gone after this year, but Limar still has another year as does Harris and then there's the upcoming freshmen Davison, Hill and Riggs. Am I missing anyone? Damn our RB room is loaded and who knows who we may add next year. My $ is on Hughes transferring, it makes the most sense for all parties IMHO.

In some ways I feel sorry for the young man. Tearing it up in his former school and conference, he thought he could transfer to a school where he would be seen by more scouts and improve his draft stock.

While Oregon was a school that could have done that for him, he found there were RBs already here that were simply better, and he could not beat them out for playing time.

I hope he has the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

His brother, freshman Na'eem Offord, is on the roster too and has played in all 5 games.

18 hours ago, HDuck said:

His brother, freshman Na'eem Offord, is on the roster too and has played in all 5 games.

Offord didn't play last game according to these guys. They're also saying there's a 50/50 chance he transfers with his brother. We'll have to see if he gets any playing time in the next 3-4 weeks. If he redshirts then I would guess he will follow his brother.

On 10/1/2025 at 5:36 PM, noDucknewby said:

Not sure how another year would give him more playing time. Whittington is gone after this year, but Limar still has another year as does Harris and then there's the upcoming freshmen Davison, Hill and Riggs. Am I missing anyone? Damn our RB room is loaded and who knows who we may add next year. My $ is on Hughes transferring, it makes the most sense for all parties IMHO.

I think Riggs might look to go or Harris or both.. I love both...

Between Hughes and Lamar, I think Hughes has the higher upside even if Lamar has more experience in the offense. A backfield rotation of Hill, Davison, Lamar and Hughes might be enough to keep him in Eugene for 2026 if Dink and Harris elect to move on.

There has been some speculation that Offert and Hughes are a brother package and that keeping Offert is a staff priority, even if he uses a redshirt this year. I am hopeful that Hughes stays put and gives himself a big leg up for next season.

On 10/1/2025 at 2:27 PM, Steven A said:

There is no portal available at this time, except for the Stargate

Wow. I think you just figured out where Cliff Harris came from.