Mike Hughes started his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina. Hughes was a four star prospect from New Bern, NC. Hughes was suspended by Tar Heels coach Larry Fedora for a violation of team rules during the 2015 season. UNC ultimately dismissed him from the university in February of 2016. Hughes was charged with a count of misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury after an incident that happened at a fraternity house. Hughes went the JUCO route and chose to play at Garden City Community College for one season. He had offers from South Carolina and East Carolina, but ultimately chose to join Scott Frost’s unit in Orlando.