Tulane's Makhi Hughes Ready to Face Army in AAC Championship

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Tulane running back Makhi Hughes has been one of the NCAA's best players this season. He was recently named to the American Athletic Conference's first-team offense. He spoke to the media on Dec. 3 and let reporters know that he is eager for another chance at the conference championship after the Green Wave's 26-14 loss to SMU last season.

Makhi Hughes' 2024 Season

Hughes has been the most productive player on Tulane's 12th-ranked rushing offense. Hughes has 1,306 rushing yards this season, putting him 12th in the NCAA for that metric. He also has 15 rushing touchdowns this year for the Green Wave. He has a knack for finding the end zone, also adding 2 receiving TDs this season.

Hughes is one of the more explosive backs in college football, showing a unique ability to take contact head-on and stay standing while getting back to top speed quickly. Very few players finish runs the way he does on nearly every one of his carries. He gets downhill fast and almost always finishes forward for extra yards. His contact balance may be among the best in the country.

He also is tremendous in the passing game. Hughes has great hands and has been reliable as a checkdown target this year. He had an amazing one-handed grab that he took for a first down against No. 25 Memphis (10-2, 6-2 AAC) last week. Hughes also helps as a blocker, something that will be integral as he moves forward into a potential NFL career. He shows a willingness to pick up pass rushers and even to lead block downfield. The physicality that he possesses is one of his best traits that contributes to every aspect of his game.

Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah is at his best when the rushing attack is moving the ball well. He is an exceptional player when the offense is balanced. If Hughes can do what he does best—making plays that may not be there initially, then the passing attack and offensive efficiency will follow suit.

Tulane's Media Availability This Week

Hughes spoke to reporters on Dec. 3 ahead of the conference championship matchup against No. 24 Army (10-1, 8-0 AAC). He played in the SMU loss a year ago and was asked about his feelings ahead of his second opportunity at the AAC championship this week. Hughes explained how last year he had an ankle sprain and "wasn't fully healed." Then he expanded on his thoughts this year, simply saying, "I'm excited. I'm pumped up." It was clear in his tone that he has been looking forward to this second chance for the past year.

When Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall was asked about the preparation going into the game, he said, "I say it all the time. It's not what we (the coaches) do, it's what they (the players) do." Sumrall stressed that they have to execute what the players know and are ready to do this week. The run game is something the Green Wave has consistently excelled at this season. Sumrall will very likely look to put the ball in the hands of his star RB and counter Army's game plan to control the time of possession. Hughes' play could perhaps be the most integral part of Tulane's effectiveness on Friday night.