10 in 10: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting

One of the biggest stars in the AAC since 2023, Makhi Hughes makes the move to the Big Ten to play for the Oregon Ducks. Hughes has big shoes to fill in the Oregon backfield, but he seems more than up to the task. Check back tomorrow and every day between now and kickoff in Week 0 on the 23rd of August for more prospect breakdowns.

No. 3- Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon

Prospect Details

Name: Makhi Hughes

College: Oregon

Year: Redshirt Junior

Measurables: 5’11, 210 pounds

Scheme Fit: Power back in a zone blocking scheme

Background

Former 3-star recruit out of Birmingham, Alabama. Rated as the 85th-best running back in the nation and the 46th-best player in the state of Alabama by 247Sports.com. He sat out the 2022 season due to injury. Hughes proceeded to dominate in two seasons at Tulane, compiling a combined 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns.

In 2023,he played and started all 14 games at running back. Ran 258 times for 1,378 yards and seven touchdowns, and was ranked among the AAC's top three in rushing yards and led the league in rushing yards in league-only games (1,001). Was named the AAC's Rookie of the Year and a First Team All-AAC selection.

Again named All-AAC First Team in 2024, he ranked second conference and 10th nationally in rushing with 1,401 yards on the ground. The rushing yards were the fourth-most in a single season ever at Tulane. Transferred as a 4-star to Oregon after the 2024 season. Already featured on the Maxwell Award preseason watch list, expectations are high for his contribution towards the Ducks’ championship aspirations and national recognition. He will get a chance to star on a bigger stage at Oregon, while his production and excellent pop and power make him an RB1 candidate in 2026.

Detailed Scouting Report

Strengths

1. Good combination of speed and power. Has good acceleration to burst through gaps inside and decent yards after contact. Was among the top 50 backs in yards gained per attempt once contacted in 2024.

2. Ball security is not an issue for Hughes. He has not fumbled in either of his 2 years in college football. Also pulled in almost all targets in 2023 and looks secure with his hands, both carrying and receiving.

3. While he doesn't have elite speed, he has more than enough, given his size. Excellent athlete who looks explosive and smooth in the open field.

4. Strong overall as a blocker. Some instances where he can be blown up on a play, but he is willing to get a hat on hat. Out in space, he has shown a real aptitude for taking on 2nd and 3rd level defenders on screens and checkdowns.

5. Shows excellent finishing ability on his runs and targets. Got in the endzone in a big spot vs Oklahoma from 4 yards out with 3 defenders in the vicinity. Had 15 TDs on the ground in 2024, which was Top 20 in the FBS.

Development Points

1. More to give as a receiving back. Less than 200 yards receiving both years in the Tulane offense, and did have 4 drops in 2024. Should grow in confidence with more opportunities in the Oregon passing game.

2. Not particularly creative in the backfield. Most effective as a power back, with no major counter or bounce outside ability. Will take what the offensive line gives him, plus a few extra yards, rather than generating explosive runs. Had a breakaway % outside the Top 100 among RBs in 2024.

3. Vision sometimes lets him down, as he tends to cut inside to stacked boxes. He should develop a better awareness of how the defense is trying to take him away.

4. May not have the highest ceiling of any back in the class. No real wow factor on tape when you watch him, but he could be effective as part of a running back committee.

Summary

Makhi Hughes has been a highly productive back for Tulane and will take his talents to the West Coast and the Oregon Ducks for his Redshirt Junior season. He has a good combination of speed and power, but has been underutilised in the passing game. Showed good flashes in pass pro and finishes his runs effectively, which bodes well for his future prospects as he looks to improve his stock along with making a run at the national championship with the Ducks.

Player Comp: Devin Neal

Team Fits: Ravens, Bills, Saints

Grade: 6.6/9.0 (Top 75 Grade)