Makhi Hughes' absence is puzzling, but not concerning

Dan Lanning's Oregon Ducks handled and stood on business in their opener of the 2025 season. WIth limited penalties, flawless execution, no punts, and a deep rotation, it was as close to perfection as you can get.

Despite the spread shifting closer and closer as the game drew near to kickoff, it was to be expected. Though Montana State has FBS size in some positions, the talent gap was obvious and Oregon continually flexed their muscle on the Bobcats.

There is very little Oregon fans could gripe about turning off the TV or exiting the hallowed grounds of Autzen Stadium. Star redshirt sophomore QB Dante Moore looked poised and as talented as advertised, defensive risers A'Mauri Washington and Ify Obidegwu looked great, and the staff's commitment to stopping the run showed up.

One notable absence was very apparent from the first drive, in Tulane transfer RB Makhi Hughes. Noah Whittington ran for an explosive 35-yard gain on the Ducks first play from scrimmage, got a pair of carries following that, and junior tailback Jayden Limar scored the opening touchdown of the season.

Then, as the game went on, and a litany of running backs entered the football game, Hughes was essentially nowhere to be seen, outside of a singular carry for a couple yards.

The reasons for his absence are largely unknown, and any questions regarding his lack of snaps danced around the subject and referred back to the excellent display of depth on this edition of the Ducks.

Dan Lanning, his staff, and his players keep internal matters to just that: internal. The media rarely, if ever, get into practices, and Dan Lanning may be number one in the nation in "coach speak." It's not a bad thing necessarily -- but leaves fans puzzled in moments like this. Is Hughes on a pitch count looking ahead to the Big Ten schedule? Suspended? Banged up? Injured? Or is Oregon's depth at running back so good that Hughes simply can't squeeze into the rotation.

I don't lean to the latter. Yes, Oregon has one of the deepest running back rooms in the nation, but it has to be more than that. Perhaps the Oregon fan collective conciousness that slid Hughes into the true RB1A role was wrong, and veteran leader Noah Whittington is finally getting his crack at that role after four years of loyalty -- and production from the RB2 spot.

If for some reason Makhi Hughes is that far deep down the depth chart, it should be no point of concern for Duck fans. Here's how the rushing stats worked out for Ra'Shaad Samples' room.

Noah Whittington: 10 carries, 68 yds, 1 TD

Jordon Davison: 6 carries, 26 yds, 3 TD

Jayden Limar: 3 carries, 20 yds, 1 TD

Dierre Hill Jr.: 5 carries, 48 yds

Dink Riggs: 4 carries, 20 yds

QB Dante Moore: 3 carries, 18 yds

WR Dakorien Moore: 2 carries, 17 yds

Kenyon Sadiq, Luke Moga, Brock Thomas, and Jay Harris all had a carry as well.

The ground game looks phenomenal. The offensive line got a consistent push, allowed very few, if any negative plays, and the backs followed their blocks consistently and explosively. There is an embarrassment of riches at offensive coordinator Will Stein's disposal, and should Hughes not be a top option, I believe the Oregon offense will be fine.

However, Hughes is a special talent. He had over 1300 yards in both of his first two seasons playing for the Tulane Green Wave, in arguably the best group of five conference, the American. He also impressed against power conference opponents. He was one of the top transfer portal running backs for a reason.

He looks physically ready for the Big Ten, and has displayed his talent for two seasons now. His absence in Oregon's blowout win was confusing, but if it maintains, Oregon fans can rest assured that the talent is abundant in the running back room. From the thunder and lightning duo of Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill, the veteran presence of Noah Whittington and Jayden Limar, the offensive variability of Kenyon Sadiq and Dakorien Moore, and the potential of Dink Riggs and Jay Harris, the ground game will excel.

Read More: