Oregon’s Dan Lanning may have landed a Maxwell Award contender — before he’s even taken a snap

Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are fresh off a Big Ten championship, but their College Football Playoff appearance didn’t leave a lasting impression. Determined to change that, the Ducks hit the transfer portal this offseason — and one name is already standing out.

Enter Makhi Hughes, the Tulane transfer who’s turning heads before even taking a snap in Eugene.

Hughes was recently named to the Maxwell Award preseason watch list, which recognizes college football’s top player based on performance, leadership, and sportsmanship. He checks every box — and now has the stage to show what he can do on a national level.

Last year, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty took home the Maxwell after a dominant campaign. Hughes might not match Jeanty’s numbers, but his impact could be just as meaningful. With Oregon looking to make a deeper playoff run, Hughes is in position to be a difference-maker in one of the country’s most dynamic offenses.

He’s coming off back-to-back 1,300-yard seasons at Tulane. Last fall, he ran for 1,401 yards and found the end zone 17 times — all while carrying the bulk of the offensive load. That’s not just productive. That’s elite.

Now, he joins an Oregon backfield that’s become a launching pad for star running backs. In recent years, the Ducks have turned players like Bucky Irving and Jordan James into household names. Hughes has already proven he can produce — now he gets to do it with better weapons around him and a much bigger spotlight.

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If he builds on what he did at Tulane, Hughes won’t just boost Oregon’s championship chances — he’ll be in the thick of the national awards conversation. The Maxwell Award watch list is just the start.

With his talent and this opportunity, Hughes has the tools to make noise all season long. Don’t be surprised if his name is still in the mix when the Maxwell finalists are announced.