Houston Cougars land star running back Makhi Hughes from the transfer portal, reuniting him with Head Coach Willie Fritz and igniting excitement about the team’s offensive firepower in the Big 12. Could Hughes return to his American Conference dominance and become Houston’s next breakout workhorse? Parker Ainsworth (and Spencer McLaughlin) break down how Hughes’ explosive track record at Tulane, versatile running style, and prior experience with Fritz’s system position him for a leading role alongside DJ Butler and Re'Shaun Sanford. Key topics include the strategic significance of Houston’s transfer additions, with Shadre Hurst and Drew Terrrill fortifying the offensive line, and Jalen Mayo boosting the defensive backfield. The conversation explores Houston’s NIL advantage, the pursuit of top wideouts like Trent Walker, and what these moves mean for the Cougars’ 2024 ceiling. How far can Fritz push this revamped roster in a competitive Big 12? 0:00 – Makhi Hughes Transfer News 2:52 – Oregon RB Room Insight 4:51 – Impact on Houston RBs 8:35 – Shadre Hurst Commits 12:19 – Drew Terrill O-Line Add 16:29 – Jalen Mayo at DB 19:47 – Portal Class Recap 22:17 – Next Transfer Targets 25:34 – Potential WR & OL Adds 26:49 – Running Back Room Dynamics 27:25 – NIL and Houston Strategy 29:58 – Donor Influence/NIL Push 30:47 – Closing Thoughts & Next Steps Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Rugiet If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time. Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time. Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)