EUGENE — Oregon’s “strength in numbers” ethos for this season could be further bolstered during the College Football Playoff.
The four-game redshirt rule does not apply to the postseason, allowing nine more players to see the field again for the No. 5 Ducks during the playoffs without them losing a year of eligibility.
Eight of those players are true freshmen, including defensive lineman Matthew Johnson and linebacker Gavin Nix, who each played four regular season games. The lone upperclassman who could return to the field is running back Makhi Hughes, the preseason AP All-American who transferred to UO from Tulane and asked to redshirt after four games.
Whether it’s realistic for Hughes to play is another matter, though Dan Lanning wouldn’t rule it out.
“I think it’s plausible for several of our players,” Lanning said.
Hughes had just 17 carries for 70 yards and two catches for 24 yards in the first four games of the season and was behind three or four other backs in a seven-deep group. But he’s remained with the team and practiced, whereas cornerbacks Jahlil Florence and Dakoda Fields have left the program and intend to transfer.
Oregon’s depth at running back hasn’t changed since Hughes asked to redshirt prior to the Penn State game, with Noah Whittington, Jordan Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. each with solidified roles and Jayden Limar returning from injury.
“From watching them practice and watching them go out there and take their practice reps, they’re ready,” Whittington said. “If they (Hughes and Limar) do get their opportunity in the playoffs, I think they would go out there and ball out, honestly.”
No. 12 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1)
When: Saturday, Dec. 20Time: 4:30 p.m. PTWhere: Autzen StadiumTV: TNT/HBO Max