Oregon running backs Jordan James and Noah Whittington are just juniors but with the possibility of either declaring for the draft following the Ducks' incredible 2024-25 season, head coach Dan Lanning has worked his magic in the transfer portal.
Most notably, former Tulane star running back Makhi Hughes has repeatedly mentioned Lanning and the Ducks as one of the frontrunners for his future team. This weekend, the former Green Wave star will visit Lanning and his team in Eugene.
Not only is Hughes the top running back target in the transfer portal but he is the No. 3 overall player that entered his name during the winter transfer window.
NEWS: Tulane star Transfer RB Makhi Hughes will visit Oregon this weekend, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 3, 2025
The 5’11 210 RB totaled 2,779 Yards & 24 TDs in his 2 seasons with the Green Wave
Ranked as the No. 3 Player in the Portal (No. 1 RB) per On3https://t.co/8r5chdfY8r pic.twitter.com/03C0hp5q5U
Last season, while still with Tulane, Hughes amassed an astonishing 1,401 rushing yards (23 more than he earned in his freshman season) for 15 touchdowns on the ground (more than double his touchdown count from the prior year). He also has 30 career receptions 243 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air.
Hughes entered the portal after his sophomore season with the Green Wave and maintains two seasons of eligibility – should he remain in college football for all two years.
While Oregon may look to keep James and Whittington as its go-to guys in the backfield (alongside the Ducks' supposed next starting quarterback Dante Moore), Hughes would be a great backup RB to have on the depth chart and could undeniably turn into the starter during his junior and senior seasons.
The winter transfer portal officially closed on Dec. 28, 2024, but because the Ducks' postseason extended until Jan. 1, 2025, Oregon athletes have an extended deadline to enter their names if they want to. Oregon players will have until Jan. 6 to enter their names.