University of Houston Athletics
Hughes Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List
8/18/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
All-American running back brings nearly 3,000 career rushing yards to Houston
DALLAS – Houston Football running back Makhi Hughes was named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List on Monday.
The senior running back from Birmingham, Ala., joined Houston from Oregon in 2026 after three seasons at Tulane, two with head coach Willie Fritz and offensive coordinator Slade Nagle and running backs coach Jordy Joseph.
Hughes has rushed for 2,849 yards over his career, the second-most among active FBS running backs and 22 rushing touchdowns.
An Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 Second-Team pick, Hughes is one of nine Big 12 Conference running backs named to the preseason watch list. The Doak Walker Award is given to the nation's top running back in the country.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
The senior running back from Birmingham, Ala., joined Houston from Oregon in 2026 after three seasons at Tulane, two with head coach Willie Fritz and offensive coordinator Slade Nagle and running backs coach Jordy Joseph.
Hughes has rushed for 2,849 yards over his career, the second-most among active FBS running backs and 22 rushing touchdowns.
An Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 Second-Team pick, Hughes is one of nine Big 12 Conference running backs named to the preseason watch list. The Doak Walker Award is given to the nation's top running back in the country.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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