One of the best running backs in the Big 12 has officially played his final game in the league after four years and 49 career games.
Kansas running back Devin Neal shared his farewell to the Kansas Jayhawks on Tuesday, as the senior exhausted his eligibility on Saturday against the Baylor Bears.
Despite his senior year not finishing how he’d hoped, Neal will go down as one of the best players in school history after serving as the Jayhawks’ lead back in his four seasons in Lawrence.
“The day I committed, many said I was wasting my career,” Neal wrote on X. “They were extremely wrong. With my team, I’ve been able to bring an entire program out of the mud and into the national spotlight. I’ve also been blessed with lifetime brothers and relationships that I’ll never forget. I also want to say thank you to all the fans who have supported this team through thick and thin. I hope that my team and I gave you memories that you will never forget!
“Finally, thank you, Kansas, for giving me the opportunity to become the man that I am today and achieve my dreams. For that, I am everlasting grateful. I hope that while I was an ambassador for this University that I also inspired many generations to be the like in their communities and to always spread love in this world.”
Over the course of four seasons, Neal became the all-time leading rusher in Kansas Jayhawks history, holding the school record for rushing touchdowns (49), rushing yards (4,343), scrimmage touchdowns (53), and 100+ yard rushing games (20). He is also the first player in KU football history to record three 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Neal and the Jayhawks finished the 2024 season with a 5-7 record, losing their final game of the year at Baylor, 45-17. Kansas ripped off three straight victories against ranked opponents to get within one game of bowl eligibility, but ultimately couldn’t overcome a 1-5 start on the year.
