Just an hour before the Oregon Ducks took the field against the Penn State Nittany Lions, reports were released that backup running back Makhi Hughes was not warming up with the rest of the running back room.
Hughes, who transferred to Oregon from Tulane, has been utilized as an RB3 or RB4 so far this year. He was one of the most highly touted players out of the transfer portal during the offseason, alongside defensive back Dylan Theamman.
So far this season, Hughes has earned 70 yards on the ground as well as 24 yards through the air as he has worked to find his footing with the Ducks, who have one of the best running back rooms in the country.
While the loss of Hughes in the lineup was undeniably a gut punch for the Ducks, the team regained star running back Noah Whittington, who had missed the past couple of games due to an unspecified injury.
Makhi Hughes not with Oregon's RBs for early pregame
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) September 27, 2025
Almost immediately, Whittington's presence was felt in University Park as he led the Ducks to nine yards on their first drive (which only totaled 20 yards before the team had to punt).
Just under a year ago, the Ducks stormed past the Nittany Lions in their first-ever Big Ten Championship game, securing a 45-37 victory to win the conference title to cap off their undefeated regular season.
Alongside Whittington, Oregon is flushed with talent in the running back room. Jayden Limar, Dierre Hill Jr., Jordan Davison, Jay Harris, and Da'Juan Riggs have combined for nearly 600 yards, in addition to the rushing yards contributed by Hughes, Whittington, and quarterback Dante Moore.