Makhi Hughes: "A Power Back. That's My Style."

With Jordan James leaving Oregon to head off to the NFL, the Ducks needed a big physical back to add to the room. Little did Duck fans know that a surprise flip on signing day would put Oregon in line for one of the best backs in the country. Oregon was able to add Makhi Hughes in the transfer portal as he followed his brother Na’eem Offord to Eugene.

Hughes projects as one of the top running backs of the 2025 season, already gracing the preseason Maxwell Award watch list. He put up around 1,400 yards at Tulane in 2023 and 2024, including 15 touchdowns last season. With a successful season, he is a prime candidate to enter the NFL draft as an early entry.

Here are some of the key quotes from Media Day

Hype coming into the season

“It’s a blessing, you know, just hearing the hype, but I maintain my focus. Get social media out of my head. I see a lot of stuff, tagging me (and) watch lists. It’s a blessing, you know, seeing the watch lists, but, I’m ready for it.”

His running style

“A power back. That’s my style. You know, just an old runner, old running style.”

Who has brought him under their wing

“The backs, the group, they maintain, they help me (with) the playbook. They open you up, they (are) like a brother’s keeper, so they maintain. They make sure I’m good and stuff.” 

Talent in the running back room

“It’s a blessing. Talented group, you know, we compete (with) each other, make sure we stay on top. Always compete every day.”

Fit in the running back room

“I feel (I fit) pretty well. The guys, having the playbook, they show me around and what to do. you know, it’s a little similar to the Tulane playbook, but it’s a lot. The guys, they help me out outside of football, just help me on the playbook. (I) catch up alone, and I caught up a lot.”

Getting together with running backs off the field

“Yeah, off the field, hanging out and stuff. Like what’s your pick to (do)? I know some guys do like bowling and stuff. We just going out to eat and stuff. You kick it, go fishing and stuff. So, yeah.”

Is there anyone you model your game after?

“I would say Walter Payton. Since I was a kid, I used to watch him. (When) I was younger, my dad (would) tell me about him. Also, Bo Jackson too.”

Intensity of Fall Camp

“Yeah, they told me “Oregon fall camp is hard,” but you know, it’s just all mental. Just it’s going to be hard, but you know, just got to keep working, stay focused. Just always make sure you (are) on top.”

What has made Oregon special for you so far?

“This program is like a family to me. These guys and coaches they make sure they take care of us. We always hang out outside of football, see each other (and it) puts a smile on our face. So, it’s a big program.”

Key to hitting a thousand yards again

“I just got to keep working, just improve every season. If I could do a thousand yards at Tulane, I could do it here, too. That’s my main focus.” 

Getting ready for the Big Ten

“Yeah. Get stronger, faster. I see a lot of pro (ability) in my speed. I’ll see that build up, I work on my speed, my power. I got stronger when I got here. Also doing yoga too, make sure because it’s for muscles, I have muscles and stuff, so I got to make sure I do yoga. I make sure I stay on top of that.”

Playing with his brother

“It’s been fun. I just make sure my brother (Na’eem Offord) stays on top, make sure he’s focused. It’s a blessing to be back with him, like (first time) since high school. My senior (year) he was a freshman, but now we (are) back together. Also make(s) it easy for my parents, too. He’s doing good.” 

On Offord’s performance in practice

“I be seeing him with the ones and twos. I see him communicating, making calls. So, he’s doing good.”

Who will have the bigger Oregon legacy

“I would say him. I’d say him.”

Knowing where is brother was going to commit

“I didn’t know it, it shocked me too and (on) signing day. Where ever he was going, I wanted to go with him, make it easier for me and my parents. It was shocking, the flip and stuff.” 

Did he know he was going to end up at Oregon at that point?

“Yeah. Yes.” 

On whether he had any influence on the decision

“No, he didn’t (say anything) until he told me he had committed, we talk on the phone.”

Reason for coming to Oregon

“Really for my brother, made sure where he was going and I wanted to make it easier for my parents. I think I made the right choice, chose Oregon because they feel like family here. So, yeah.”

On things to do in Oregon

“Went to the mountains, It was nice. Saw the city, nice people around. Good food too. Good people. Also, a lot of fishing to do. So, I love fishing. So, it was it was good.”

On fishing

“Yeah, I’m a big fisherman. Yeah.”

How long you been doing that?

“Since I was like, seven. Yeah. Seven, eight. Yeah, it’s a good spot to do it.”