Makhi Hughes was a preseason sensation for the Ducks, a big part of the story. The No.1 running back in the transfer portal after rushing for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns in two seasons at Tulane, he was supposed to replace Jordan James the way James had replaced Bucky Irving, the big-play guy and spearhead of a physical Oregon running game.
In the spring reporters asked Dan Lanning what he had seen from the 5-11, 210-pound junior running back. "Physicality," Lanning said, "I think he's still learning the system. It's really hard, to pick it up.