Kansas football: 3 players the Jayhawks would love to have back in 2024

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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – NOVEMBER 11: Running back Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks carries the ball during the 1st half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Kansas Football Player No. 1 — RB Devin Neal

If there were one player to depart from this bunch, it would probably be Devin Neal. The superstar tailback was the best player for KU’s offense in 2023, totaling 1,423 scrimmage yards and 16 touchdowns in the regular season.

He now faces a crossroads on whether to spend his final year of eligibility at his hometown university or pursue his lifelong dream.

His terrific season has earned him attention from NFL teams. One mock draft has him being selected as early as 83rd overall, which is a third-round pick. If scouts are telling him he could be gone by Day 2 of the draft, it’s hard to envision a scenario where we see him back in Lawrence.

Neal possesses a lot of traits that could make him an NFL-caliber running back. His change of direction is absurd due to him being incredibly shifty in the open field. He is capable as a receiver and can cut to the outside to make big plays happen.

Right now, Neal is probably leaning toward chasing his NFL goal. However, if he decides to return and potentially become the leading rusher in Kansas football history, the Jayhawks would immediately become a contender for the Big 12 crown next year.

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