Makhi Hughes Scouting Report: Oregon RB | 2026 NFL Draft Prospect

Jun 20
6 min read

Name: Makhi Hughes

Position: Running Back

School: Oregon Ducks (previously Tulane Green Wave, 2022–2024)

Height/Weight: 5’11”, 210 lbs

Class: Junior (2025 season)

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

High School: Huffman High School

Recruiting Rank: 3-star recruit, #578 overall, #45 RB nationally (2022, 247Sports)

Draft Range Summary

Makhi Hughes is projected as a second-to-third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with analysts praising his power and agility after dominant seasons at Tulane and a 2025 transfer to Oregon.

• PFF: 2nd round, No. 45 overall, RB3 (Apr 2025)

• ESPN: 3rd round, No. 68 overall, RB4 (May 2025)

• CBS Sports: 2nd round, No. 58 overall, RB3 (Apr 2025)

• The Athletic: 3rd round, No. 72 overall, RB4 (Apr 2025)

• NFL Draft Buzz: 2nd round, RB3, 89.0 rating (May 2025)

• Tankathon: 3rd round, No. 65 overall, RB3 (Jun 2025)

Combine Data/Unofficial Times: No official NFL Combine data available (as of June 18, 2025). Per NFL Draft Buzz, Hughes ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at Tulane’s 2024 Pro Day. High school stats: 2,700+ yards, 29 TDs over four seasons (2018–2021).

Career Background

Makhi Hughes, a three-star recruit from Huffman High School, committed to Tulane over Appalachian State. Redshirted in 2022 due to a minor ankle injury, he emerged as a star in 2023, rushing for 1,376 yards and 7 TDs as a redshirt freshman, earning AAC Rookie of the Year and Freshman All-American honors. In 2024, he repeated as a first-team All-AAC selection with 1,400 yards and 9 TDs, leading Tulane to a 9-4 record. His 2,776 rushing yards (2022–2023) rank first among returning FBS backs.

Transferring to Oregon in 2025, Hughes joins a dynamic offense under coach Dan Lanning, complementing quarterback Dante Moore and a top-tier offensive line (18 sacks allowed, 2024, PFF). His power and agility position him as a potential RB1 candidate, aiming to prove himself against Big Ten defenses.

Career Stats (Through 2024 Season)

• 2022 (Redshirt Freshman, Tulane): Redshirted, no stats recorded

• 2023 (Redshirt Freshman, Tulane): 258 carries, 1,376 yards (5.3 YPC), 7 TDs; 17 receptions, 142 yards, 0 TDs; 58 missed tackles forced

• 2024 (Redshirt Sophomore, Tulane): 273 carries, 1,400 yards (5.1 YPC), 9 TDs; 16 receptions, 105 yards, 0 TDs; 60 missed tackles forced

• Career Totals (2 Seasons): 531 carries, 2,776 yards (5.2 YPC), 16 TDs; 33 receptions, 247 yards, 0 TDs; 118 known missed tackles forced

Advanced Stats (2024, PFF 2024)

• PFF Rushing Grade: 89.7 (top-10 FBS)

• PFF Receiving Grade: 70.2 (average among RBs)

• Yards After Contact: 991 (70.8% of total, top-3 FBS)

• Forced Missed Tackles: 60 (6th among FBS)

• Forced Missed Tackles per Attempt: 0.28 (60 missed tackles / 273 carries, top-15 FBS RBs with 100+ carries)

• Breakaway Run %: 5.9% (16 runs of 15+ yards, average among RBs)

• Fumble Rate: 0.7% (2 fumbles, 273 carries), above median (~0.5%)

• Pass-Block Grade: 65.0 (below average among RBs)

• Drop Rate: 6.3% (1 drop, 16 targets), above median (~5.0%)

Awards and Accolades

• High School:

• Alabama All-State Second Team (2021)

• Birmingham Metro Player of the Year (2021)

• College:

• AAC Rookie of the Year (2023)

• Freshman All-American (2023, FWAA)

• First-team All-AAC (2023, 2024)

• PFF AAC Player of the Week (vs. Memphis, 2023)

Character and Leadership

Hughes’ resilience is evident in his rise from a three-star recruit to AAC stardom, overcoming a 2022 redshirt season. Coaches at Tulane praised his work ethic and leadership, naming him a team captain in 2024. His transfer to Oregon reflects ambition to compete at a Power Four level. No off-field issues reported, with community involvement in Birmingham noted on X. His high carry count (531) raises durability concerns, but zero major injuries enhance his outlook.

Injuries

Hughes redshirted in 2022 due to a minor ankle injury but played all 26 games in 2023–2024, carrying 531 times without missing time. His 5’11”, 210-pound frame and physical style (70.8% yards after contact) suggest durability, but his high workload raises concerns for NFL longevity. A 2025 season with 200+ carries in the Big Ten will test his resilience.

Play Style

Makhi Hughes is a powerful, agile runner who thrives in Tulane’s zone-heavy offense, leveraging contact balance and quick cuts. His 4.44 40 and 0.28 FMTPA (top-15 FBS, PFF 2024) enable explosive plays, like a 56-yard TD vs. North Texas. He powers through tackles, with 991 yards after contact (70.8%) and 60 missed tackles forced in 2024, averaging 5.1 YPC. His vision excels in zone schemes, but he struggles against stacked boxes (3.8 YPC vs. UAB, 2024).

As a receiver, Hughes’ 16 catches (105 yards, 2024) and 70.2 PFF receiving grade indicate limited pass-game impact, primarily on checkdowns. His pass-blocking (65.0 PFF grade) is below average, restricting third-down roles. Ball security is solid (0.7% fumble rate), but two fumbles in 2024 raise concerns. While agile (5.9% breakaway rate), his top-end speed lags behind elite backs, and receiving/pass-blocking weaknesses limit versatility.

Strengths

1. Contact Balance: 70.8% yards after contact, 991 yards (PFF 2024).

2. Elusiveness: 0.28 FMTPA, 60 forced missed tackles (top-15 FBS).

3. Vision: Excels in zone schemes, 5.1 YPC (2024).

4. Durability: 531 carries, no missed games (2023–2024).

5. Production: 2,776 rushing yards, most among returning FBS backs.

Weaknesses

1. Limited Receiving: 16 catches, 70.2 PFF receiving grade (2024).

2. Pass-Blocking: 65.0 PFF grade, below average for third-down roles.

3. Fumble Concerns: 0.7% fumble rate, 2 fumbles (2024).

4. Top-End Speed: 5.9% breakaway rate, average among RBs.

5. Power vs. Stacked Boxes: 3.8 YPC vs. UAB, struggles against heavy fronts.

Limitations

Hughes’ limited receiving (33 catches career) and pass-blocking (65.0 PFF) restrict him to early-down roles, favoring zone schemes over gap-heavy systems. His 70.8% yards after contact is elite, but a 5.9% breakaway rate limits home-run plays compared to top backs (e.g., Jeremiyah Love’s 12.3%). His 531 carries raise durability concerns for a bell-cow role. Improving pass-blocking and reducing fumbles in Oregon’s 2025 offense will be critical for RB1 status.

College Scheme Experience

Hughes operated in Tulane’s zone-heavy offense (70% zone, 30% gap) under Willie Fritz (2022–2023) and Jon Sumrall (2024), featuring 55% 11 personnel, 48% run rate, and moderate play-action (20% dropbacks). The scheme maximized his power (70.8% yards after contact) and agility (0.28 FMTPA) on outside zone and stretch plays, as seen in his 195-yard game vs. North Texas. Motion (30% snaps) and RPOs (10%) created space, but his 16 catches (5% RB targets) reflect minimal pass-game involvement. Pass-blocking (65.0 PFF) limited third-down snaps.

In 2022, Hughes redshirted, missing scheme exposure. In 2023–2024, Tulane’s line (25 sacks allowed, 2024) supported his 5.2 YPC, but poor run-blocking (54.1 PFF grade) vs. UAB exposed weaknesses (3.8 YPC). At Oregon in 2025, Dan Lanning’s spread offense (60% zone, 40% gap) with Dante Moore and a top-tier line (18 sacks allowed, 2024) will enhance his zone efficiency, but increased pass-game demands may challenge his receiving/pass-blocking limitations.

Player Comparison

Comparison: James Cook (5’11”, 190 lbs, Buffalo Bills, 2022–present). Cook’s agility (4.42 40), elusiveness (~0.30 FMTPA, est.), and moderate power (5.7 YPC, 2023) align with Hughes’ 4.44 40, 0.28 FMTPA, and 5.1 YPC (2024). Both excel in zone schemes, using vision and cuts (Cook’s 1,122 yards, 2023; Hughes’ 1,400 yards, 2024), as seen in Hughes’ 56-yard TD vs. North Texas and Cook’s 58-yard TD (2023). Their contact balance (Hughes’ 70.8% yards after contact, Cook’s ~60%) and limited receiving (Cook’s 21 catches, 2023; Hughes’ 16) are similar, though Cook’s pass-blocking (~70 PFF, est.) edges Hughes’ 65.0. At 5’11”, 190 lbs, Cook is lighter than Hughes’ 5’11”, 210 lbs, but Hughes’ added mass aids power, while Cook’s second-round pedigree (No. 63, 2022) matches Hughes’ projected Day 2 pick.

Off-Field Considerations

Hughes’ rise from a three-star recruit to AAC captain reflects work ethic, per Tulane media. His transfer to Oregon shows ambition, with no off-field issues reported. X posts highlight his Birmingham community ties. Oregon’s 5.0% drop rate (2024, PFF) supports his hands (6.3% drop rate). Lanning’s 2025 scheme should boost production, but durability is a concern after 531 carries.

Draft Outlook and Recommendations

Makhi Hughes’ power, agility, and zone-scheme fit position him as a top-five RB for the 2026 NFL Draft. His 2024 dominance (1,400 yards, 9 TDs) and 2025 transfer to Oregon provide a platform to prove Big Ten durability and pass-game growth. Dominating Ohio State or Michigan will elevate his stock to a second-round lock. A 1,200-yard, 10-TD 2025 could push him into the top-50, while pass-blocking struggles risk a third-round slide.

• Personal Draft Recommendation: 2nd Round (2026). Hughes’ contact balance and vision make him a lead back, but improving pass-blocking and receiving is key. Oregon’s offense maximizes his strengths, but proving durability is critical.

Final Evaluation

Makhi Hughes’ powerful, agile running style and zone-scheme proficiency make him a top 2026 NFL Draft prospect with RB1 potential. His 2025 season at Oregon will test his durability and pass-game skills, positioning him as a potential NFL starter with targeted development, akin to James Cook’s complementary impact.