Eugene The transfer class for the Oregon Ducks is still expanding. Makhi Hughes, the portal’s top running back and third overall pick, declared on Tuesday that he will continue his college career at the University of Oregon.

After two seasons at Tulane, the redshirt sophomore running back is joining Oregon. Hughes recorded 523 carries, 2,279 rushing yards, and 24 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Green Wave, with 15 of those touchdowns occurring in 2024. During his two seasons, Hughes also pulled in 30 receptions for 243 yards and two touchdowns.

Among FBS running backs, Hughes has the ninth-most rushing yards this season (1,401). Following this season, all eight of the running backs who finished ahead of Hughes on the FBS rushing leaderboard will be entering the NFL Draft.

Hughes received praise for his outstanding play following the regular season. He was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented to the best running back in the country, and was selected to the All-AAC First Team in both 2023 and 2024.

Given that star running back Jordan James said earlier this week that he would be entering the 2025 NFL Draft, Hughes has the chance to make an immediate impact at Oregon. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back Hughes will probably face off against returning senior Noah Whittington and new junior Jayden Limar for the starting position.

From Birmingham, Alabama, Hughes was a three-star recruit who eventually committed to Tulane. Hughes, one of the most sought-after talents in the portal this summer, swiftly established himself as the foundation of Tulane’s offense after missing his first season due to injury. Hughes has two more years of eligibility and will join the Ducks as a redshirt junior.

For a number of reasons, Oregon is a desirable transfer destination. The Ducks are known for turning transfers into some of the best players in the country, to start. For instance, consider Dillon Gabriel. After moving to Oregon, Gabriel became a finalist for the Heisman Award. Additionally, Oregon offers a wealth of NIL possibilities for student-athletes, including DOAF, and its affiliations with Nike are a big lure. The chance to play with his brother, though, is maybe Hughes’ strongest motivation.

Na’eem Offord, a five-star freshman cornerback, flipped his commitment from Ohio State to the Ducks during the December early signing period and is Hughes’ older brother.

In the past, Oregon has been a leader in family matters. As a result of their efforts to combat one another, brothers Bo Nix and Tez Johnson became even more formidable foes. Playing on different sides of the ball during practice gives Hughes and Offord the chance to push one another.

Soon after the Ducks made another big commitment, Hughes announced his intention to commit to Oregon. Earlier in the day, former Florida State wide receiver Malik Benson also pledged to Oregon.

Former Florida State and Alabama receiver Malik Benson transfers to the Oregon Ducks.

Eugene The Oregon Ducks have emerged as one of the top destinations for receivers nationwide since coach Dan Lanning took over at Oregon. The top wide receivers in the class of 2025, including ESPN’s No. 3 overall pick Dakorien Moore, committed to Oregon, which boasted one of the best receiving corps in the country this season.

Now, Lanning and his team have signed Malik Benson, a major transfer from Florida State.

Benson, a Florida State senior who stands 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 195 pounds, has committed to Oregon. Before using the portal and committing to Oregon, the former No. 1 overall junior college recruit from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas spent one season with the Seminoles and one season at Alabama.

Benson chose Oregon over Kansas State and Tennessee, earning the 91st spot among wide receivers in On3’s 2025 Transfer Portal Player Rankings.

Quarterback Dante Moore, a transfer from UCLA, served as Oregon’s backup this season. Speaking to ESPN on Tuesday, the former Seminole said he was drawn to Oregon by the coaching staff and the opportunity to play alongside Moore.

Next year, he will be a finalist for the Heisman Award. 100%. Regarding Moore, senior wide receiver Tez Johnson stated, “Next year.” “That child has unmatched ball-throwing skills. It is unlike anything I have ever seen.

Before probably seeking his luck in the NFL Draft, Benson was expected to play his last season of collegiate football in 2024. But because to the NCAA waiver given to former junior college athletes, he now has one more year of eligibility left.

Benson told ESPN, “I’m just grateful that the Lord gave me another chance and another year.” “I’m not going to take this lightly.”

Benson played in all 12 of the Seminoles’ games in 2024. He caught 25 passes for 311 yards and a score at the end of the season. Benson also noted one punt return and two rushing attempts.

Benson played for Alabama under head coach Nick Saban before joining Florida State. Benson had 14 appearances and six starts during his time at Alabama. His season-high two grabs for 33 yards against Texas were his greatest performance, with 13 receptions for 162 yards.

Benson first proved himself at the junior college level before transitioning to Power 5 football, where he excelled. During his two seasons at Hutchinson, he ranked second in program history with 21 receiving touchdowns and 2,152 receiving yards.

Given that the Ducks have lost several receivers to the NFL, including Johnson, Traeshon Holden, and possibly Evan Stewart, who has not yet made a choice, Benson has the chance to make an immediate impact with Oregon. Benson will undoubtedly help Oregon’s 2025 roster as the team attempts to turn things around following its Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State. The Ducks have another chance to qualify for the College Football Playoffs and compete for a national championship, despite the fact that it is still extremely early given the skill and experience on Oregon’s future roster.