A New Era of Running Backs
Makhi Hughes, a senior running back for the University of Houston, has emerged as one of the most elusive rushers in the nation. His reputation for slipping past defenders is underscored by a tattoo that reads “A Different Breed,” a mantra that reflects his unorthodox approach to the game.
During his tenure at Tulane University, Hughes compiled 2,776 rushing yards, with nearly 72 percent of those gains coming after initial contact. He ranked sixth among Football Bowl Subdivision backs in yards after contact, amassing 1,982 of his total output in that phase, and his average of almost four yards after contact placed him among the country’s elite.
After a brief stint at Oregon University, where he recorded only 17 carries, Hughes entered the transfer portal again this offseason. He will now reunite with head coach Willie Fritz, who originally signed him out of high school, and is expected to anchor a backfield that also includes Re’Shaun Sanford II, DJ Butler and John Hebert.
Fritz, now in his second season with the Cougars, favors a balanced offense that leans heavily on the run. He has described Hughes as tough and hard to bring down, a sentiment echoed by quarterback Conner Weigman, who calls Hughes a workhorse.
The Cougars’ rushing attack also benefits from the experience of Dean Connors, who last season became just the third Houston back in the past 25 years to surpass 900 yards on the ground. Together, the group aims to prove that Hughes can translate his collegiate success to the American Athletic Conference and cement his status as the top running back available in the portal for 2025.
Motivation and Outlook
Hughes is driven by a desire to demonstrate that his best football still lies ahead. The combination of a new coaching partnership, a supportive cast and a personal brand built around resilience positions him to make a significant impact this season.