Reporters asked Dan Lanning was Makhi Hughes had such a severely limited opportunity in Oregon's 59-13 opening win over Montana State.
Lanning said to Mike Torres of On3 Sports and the rest of the media, "We got a lot of really good players. There were plays that he was in, called runs, and we had heavy boxes and the ball was thrown. He's in also in a two-minute scenario where the ball's probably gonna be thrown a little bit more."
When the Ducks added Hughes last December he was ranked the No. 1 running back in the Transfer Portal, a Doak Walker Award semi-finalist who piled up 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns at Tulane last season.
Yet in Oregon's opener Hughes didn't get in the game until the last drive just before halftime, limited to one carry for two yards, one pass reception for four yards. Twelve different ball carriers took the ball for the Ducks, 38 carries for 253 yards, so the Tulane transfer wasn't missed.
"But we got a lot of really talented players and it's gonna continue to be a challenge for us to figure out how do we use guys in the proper roles," Lanning said.
Dan Lanning was asked about Makhi Hughes' role in Week 1's matchup against Montana State ⬇️
— Ted Leroux (@TedontheDucks) September 3, 2025
"We have a lot of really good players" pic.twitter.com/xVDoOttIni
There's been no indication of a disciplinary issue or an injury. Scott Reed of Duck Sports Central reported in his forum that the Hugh situation was "A bit of a combination of things. He is not 100% with the playbook yet and is a little behind Whittington in that regard given Whittington's tenure in Eugene."
"The other reality is that this is a long season and keeping people fresh is important. We will start to get a clearer picture when we see the Ducks hit the road against Northwestern and Penn State."
It's clear that the Ducks are being very targeted and strategic about playing time in these early games. The coaches know they have an exceptionally talented roster, with a large number of athletes practicing and performing "above the line," in a phrase Dan Lanning uses often.
They also want to build a team that peaks in November, December and January. The goal in August and September is to manage the load and develop people while establishing a high standard.
Makhi Hughes didn't forget how to play football. His pass-blocking, balance and creativity as a runner are exceptional. He runs behind his pads and breaks tackles. With the Green Wave 1,982 of his yards came after contact.
At the same time, the Ducks have a deep stable of good running backs. Noah Whittington broke a 35-yard run on the first play of the game. Jayden Limar ran for a 16-yard touchdown. Dink Riggs slipped out of the backfield against a blitz, broke a tackle and took a simple circle route for 50 yards. Jordon Davison powered for three touchdowns in short yardage.
The Ducks ran for 198 yards on first down, averaging 9 yards a carry. Though the rotation may change, no one can deny that it's working. This is a program focused on winning and getting better.
Like all aspects of this team, Makhi Hughes role is a work in progress.