Report: Kansas running back Devin Neal returning for 2024 season

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Kansas running back Devin Neal will be returning to Lawrence for another year. One of the best in the Big 12 this past season, head coach Lance Leipold will be thrilled to keep his offensive star for the 2024 season.

“Sources: Star tailback Devin Neal has informed the Kansas coaching staff that he’ll be returning to Kansas for the 2024 season,” Thamel said. “Neal earned second-team All-Big 12 honors this season, rushing for 1,209 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry and scoring 16 touchdowns.”

Neal was a star the moment he stepped foot on campus, leading Kansas in rushing the past three seasons. He was a major recruiting win for the program, attending Lawrence (KS) High School, and beating out the likes of Kansas State, Nebraska, and Oklahoma State for his signature.

Just a few years later, getting Neal to stay for his senior season might feel like an even bigger win. Neal could have easily declared for the 2024 NFL Draft and begun his professional career. Instead, the wants to run it back one more time. Kansas should have some serious talent returning as well, making them an interesting team in the first season of the new-look Big 12.

“Neal’s return for his senior season will give Kansas a distinct offensive identity heading into 2024, as the school also brings back star quarterback Jalon Daniels,” Thamel said. “The Jayhawks also project to return eight of 11 starters on offense, including all three starting wide receivers.”

Devin Neal has been with Kansas throughout the rebuild

When Neal committed to Kansas, Les Miles was still in charge of the program. The Jayhawks won a combined seven games while Neal was in high school and eventually, a coaching change took place. He stuck through it all and is finally on the other side of what has been one of college football’s best rebuilds.

During his freshman year, Kansas won just two games but gained momentum by beating Texas in Austin late in the season. Now, heading into Tuesday night’s bowl game against UNLV, Neal can help his team get a ninth win — something that has not happened since the famous 2007 season.

With all of the returning offensive pieces, maybe Kansas will be able to make a push for a 10-win season and maybe even a Big 12 Championship appearance. Expectations are going to be higher than ever and Neal will be a huge reason why.