In a significant development that is sure to send shockwaves through the college football landscape, sources have revealed that Tulane University’s star running back Makhi Hughes has made the momentous decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This unexpected move comes on the heels of two sensational seasons that saw Hughes establish himself as one of the most electric and productive rushers in the nation.
A Meteoric Rise to Stardom
Makhi Hughes burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2023, immediately making his presence felt with a scintillating campaign that saw him amass 1,378 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. His dynamic playmaking ability and nose for the end zone earned him well-deserved recognition as a Freshman All-American, setting the stage for even greater achievements to come.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Hughes took his game to new heights as a sophomore in 2024. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound phenom proved to be a nightmare for opposing defenses, racking up an astounding 1,401 rushing yards and 17 total touchdowns. His electrifying performances propelled Tulane to a 9-5 record and a berth in the AAC championship game, solidifying his status as one of the premier players in the conference.
A Statistical Marvel
Hughes’ eye-popping numbers speak for themselves. Over the past two seasons, he has amassed a staggering 3,022 yards from scrimmage, consistently showcasing his ability to make plays both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. His 14 games with 100 or more yards from scrimmage during that span serve as a testament to his remarkable consistency and durability.
Makhi Hughes is a special talent. His vision, explosiveness, and versatility make him a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.
– Anonymous NFL Scout
What makes Hughes’ accomplishments all the more impressive is the fact that he currently ranks ninth among all FBS running backs in rushing yards this season, despite playing in a non-Power Five conference. With the eight rushers ahead of him all set to depart for the NFL Draft, Hughes is poised to enter the 2025 season as arguably the top returning back in the entire country.
A Coveted Commodity
As a redshirt sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, Hughes is sure to be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. His unique blend of speed, power, and elusiveness makes him an ideal fit for any offense looking to add a game-changing weapon to their backfield.
- Hughes has already received interest from several high-profile programs
- His skill set translates seamlessly to the next level
The Birmingham, Alabama native’s decision to enter the portal ahead of the December 28th deadline for the winter transfer window ensures that he will have ample time to explore his options and find the best fit for his talents. With his younger brother, top cornerback recruit Na’eem Offord, having recently signed with Oregon, it remains to be seen whether family ties will play a role in Hughes’ ultimate destination.
A Void Left in The Big Easy
For Tulane, the loss of Hughes represents a significant blow to their offensive firepower and their hopes of remaining a contender in the AAC. Head coach Jon Sumrall, who just completed his first season at the helm, will have his work cut out for him in finding a suitable replacement for the departing star.
Hughes becomes the 12th scholarship player from Tulane to enter the transfer portal this month, joining former starting quarterback Darian Mensah, who recently signed with Duke as the No. 2 player in ESPN’s transfer rankings. The mass exodus of talent underscores the challenges that non-Power Five programs face in retaining their top players in an era of increased player mobility and the allure of high-profile opportunities elsewhere.
As the college football world eagerly awaits Makhi Hughes’ next move, one thing is certain: whichever program secures his commitment will be adding a transformative talent capable of taking their offense to new heights. The Makhi Hughes sweepstakes have officially begun, and the race to land the most coveted running back in the transfer portal is sure to be a hotly contested affair in the weeks to come.
