Hughes accepted a scholarship from the University of Cincinnati, playing defensive tackle for the Bearcats.

With his coaches acknowledging his rare combination of size, speed, and power, Hughes switched to defensive tackle upon his arrival at the University of Cincinnati.

A four-year contributor and two-year starter for the Bearcats, Hughes became a disruptive force along the defensive line.

In his senior season alone, Hughes recorded 12.5 tackles for loss and 5 quarterback sacks.

[2] Hughes was invited to the 2012 NFL Combine upon completion of his impressive collegiate career.

[9] On October 3, 2016, Hughes was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers[10] He was released on December 10, 2016 but was re-signed three days later.