Oregon's Depth Could Be a Playoff X-Factor - Thanks to the Redshirt Rule
As Oregon gears up for its College Football Playoff matchup, the Ducks are about to get even deeper - and that’s saying something for a team that’s already built its identity around strength in numbers.
Here’s the key detail: the NCAA’s four-game redshirt rule doesn’t apply to the postseason. That means Oregon can tap into a fresh wave of talent - nine players, to be exact - without burning any eligibility. It’s a subtle rule, but in the high-stakes world of December football, it could be a game-changer.
Eight of those nine players are true freshmen, including defensive lineman Matthew Johnson and linebacker Gavin Nix. Both saw action in four regular-season games, hitting the redshirt threshold. Now, they’re eligible to suit up again - just in time for the Ducks’ biggest game of the year.
And then there’s the wild card: Makhi Hughes.
The preseason AP All-American transferred from Tulane and played in four games before requesting a redshirt. At the time, he was buried on a loaded depth chart and had logged just 17 carries for 70 yards, plus two catches for 24.
But Hughes never left the team. He’s been practicing, staying ready, and according to head coach Dan Lanning, his return isn’t out of the question.
“I think it’s plausible for several of our players,” Lanning said when asked about redshirt candidates potentially returning.
Whether Hughes sees the field or not, his presence is a reminder of just how deep this running back room is. Oregon hasn’t missed a beat since Hughes stepped back. Noah Whittington, Jordan Davison, and Dierre Hill Jr. have all carved out defined roles, and Jayden Limar is back from injury, giving the Ducks a full stable of backs heading into the postseason.
Whittington, one of the veterans in that group, has been watching closely - and he likes what he sees from the guys who’ve been waiting in the wings.
“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.”
That’s not just teammate-speak. Oregon’s system is built to rotate, to keep legs fresh and bodies ready. And with the redshirt rule off the table for now, the Ducks can pull from a deeper pool than most opponents - including in their opening playoff test against 12-1 James Madison.
Oregon enters the postseason at 11-1, with momentum, experience, and now, even more options. It’s not just about who starts. It’s about who’s available when the game tightens, when the defense needs fresh legs, or when a spark is needed in the backfield.
Don’t be surprised if one of these redshirted players - especially someone like Hughes - ends up making a big play when it matters most. Because in Eugene, depth isn’t just a luxury. It’s part of the plan.