Everything Kansas Jayhawks fans should be thankful for on Thanksgiving

As Kansas Jayhawks fans gather this Thanksgiving, there’s plenty to be grateful for despite a year of ups and downs. What are you thankful for today?

1. Devin Neal's dominance

There hasn't been a player as dominant as Neal in quite some time, and he deserves all the credit for the Jayhawks' upset win last week over Colorado. He totaled 287 scrimmage yards and scored four touchdowns.

Not only that, but the hometown hero became the program's all-time rushing leader earlier this month. Jayhawk fans should appreciate his final week(s) donning a crimson and blue jersey given what he has done for the school.

2. Basketball transfer portal

Fans of other programs may not like the concept of "buying" student-athletes, but it has worked out so far for Kansas. The Jayhawks have a second year of preseason All-American selection Hunter Dickinson at center, and Lawrence native Zeke Mayo has turned out to be a star in the making.

While the team will lose lots of talent to graduation in the offseason, other transfers like Rylan Griffen and AJ Storr could be significant components of next year's team (in addition to some unknown newcomers).

3. Lance Leipold's stubbornness

Everyone in Lawrence wanted offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes gone a few weeks into the season. He made awful play-calling decisions in the season's first half and, quite frankly, single-handedly cost KU multiple wins. However, the team's head coach never budged and kept his coaching staff.

The 2024 season has not been a success for Jayhawk fans by any means, but if you're a glass-half-full kind of person, Leipold's refusal to make a midseason change allowed Kansas to finally hit its stride amid its three-game winning streak. That might be the reason why they have a chance to go bowling next month, barring a loss this weekend.

4. Darryn Peterson

Kansas and Peterson were a match made in heaven from day one, and the top-five recruit finally committed and signed his letter of intent to KU during the early signing period.

The highest-rated prospect to pledge since Andrew Wiggins and Josh Jackson, watching this phenom take the floor as a freshman in 2025 will be a treat for the Jayhawk faithful.

5. Bill Self's greatness

It goes without saying, but there's never a bad time for Kansas fans to be thankful for Coach Self.

The head of the basketball program is a legend for numerous reasons. He cemented himself as KU's all-time winningest coach earlier this month and has led his squad to a 6-0 start to maintain the nation's No. 1 ranking. Self continues to prove why he is the best at what he does every week.