Devin Neal to Return for Kansas in 2024
One of the top running backs in the Big 12 is set to return for another season as Kansas’ Devin Neal has reportedly decided to come back for another season
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the homegrown junior running back informed the Jayhawks’ coaching staff that he’ll be returning for the 2024 season.
That’s major news for a program that is already set to return quarterback Jalon Daniels, who will command a new-look offense under offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. If you’re familiar with Grimes’ philosophy, the news of Neal returning might be even bigger than when KU found out it had Daniels coming back.
When Baylor won the Big 12 Championship in 2021, it’s running game was one of the most formidable in all of college football. A two-headed monster of Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner allowed the Bears to chew up over 220 yards per game on the ground and right at 5.5 yards per carry.
Grimes’ offense is built around a zone running schemes, which is music to Devin Neal’s ears. The second-team All-Big 12 selection is having the best season of his three-year career, with 1,209 yards (6.6 ypc) and 15 touchdowns on the ground in 2023.
That makes back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for Neal, who is one of the most elusive backs in the country.
With Neal’s decision to return, the Big 12 now has a trio of the best running backs returning in 2024 with Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon and Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks also opting to return next year.
