No. 1 RB in transfer portal commits to CFB powerhouse

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No. 1 running back in transfer portal commits to college football powerhouse

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Jan 8, 2025 5:50 PM ET

The NCAA transfer portal has seen yet another elite name come off the board.

After being in the portal since Dec. 27, Tulane running back transfer Makhi Hughes is reportedly transferring to Oregon, as revealed in a social media post by On3's Hayes Fawcett. The former three-star recruit from the 2022 recruiting class was a star from the moment he touched down in New Orleans.

BREAKING: Tulane star transfer RB Makhi Hughes has officially Committed to Oregon, he tells @on3sports

The 5’11 210 RB totaled 2,779 Yards & 24 TDs in 2 seasons with the Green Wave

Ranked as the No. 3 Overall Player in the Portal (No. 1 RB) per On3 https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/SLuNRdIodM
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 7, 2025

In his two seasons with the Green Wave, he rushed for 2,779 yards with 22 touchdowns while also adding 30 catches for 243 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Hughes will look to step in and fill the shoes of star running back Jordan James, who announced that he'd be entering the NFL Draft.

On top of joining one of college football's elite programs, which is fresh off a dominant season and clinching the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, Hughes will have a chance to be on the same team as his younger brother, Na'eem Offord. The five-star cornerback was the second-highest-ranked recruit in Oregon's 2025 recruiting class.

According to On3, Hughes ranked as the No. 1 running back in the transfer portal and as the No. 3 player overall. Hughes also ranked No. 7 in the transfer portal in terms of NIL Valuations, as On3 estimated his value to be $650,000, which is the highest mark for a running back.

The Ducks' portal class ranks as the No. 4 transfer haul in the portal, according to On3, with eight transfers coming in and 11 going out.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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