Since the Kansas football program hired Lance Leipold in 2021, the Jayhawks have led one of the best offenses in the Big 12. A good chunk of the team's success with putting points on the board has been its dominant rushing attack, which ranked in the top 25 nationally in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Star tailback Devin Neal has paved the way for the offense, earning All-Big 12 honors after his monster sophomore and junior years. Sitting behind Neal is fifth-year back Daniel Hishaw Jr., who often lines up alongside the Jayhawks' starter and is used situationally. The two players have paired up to become a top Division I rushing tandem, and Pro Football Focus writer Max Chadwick ranked them the eighth-best running back unit in the entire country.
Devin Neal, Daniel Hishaw named top 10 CFB running back duo
"Devin Neal has been one of the most productive running backs in the nation over the last couple seasons. Since 2022, the junior’s 2,373 rushing yards trail only Quinshon Judkins and Blake Corum among Power Five rushers. His 25 rushing touchdowns in that span are fourth in that same group to Corum, Judkins and Audric Estime. The Jayhawks also return their No. 2 running back in Daniel Hishaw Jr., who was one of the nation’s most efficient tackle-breakers in 2023. His 38% forced missed tackle rate was tied for fifth among all halfbacks in the country last year. "PFF's Max Chadwick
The ranking should come as no surprise to Kansas fans. Neal is widely recognized as one of the best running backs in the nation by most media outlets. He is on pace to have a record-setting senior year — if he rushes for 834+ rushing yards, Neal will pass June Henley as the program's leading rusher of all time.
While the Lawrence native could have entered the NFL Draft after this past campaign, he decided to return to Kansas to finish off his collegiate career. Neal is a projected third or fourth-round pick in next year's draft and could raise his stock with another impressive season. The former top-rated recruit in the state of Kansas is fulfilling his dreams with the school he idolized during his childhood.
Hishaw could raise the ceiling of KU's running back room if he can correct some of his flaws. He has struggled greatly with ball security in the past and often has mental lapses in the passing game. Additionally, he missed the entire 2021 season and only appeared in five games in 2022. It will be vital for him to avoid injuries and stay healthy for the Jayhawks.
While KU could have been slightly higher on this list, it is nice to see these two Jayhawks acquiring the recognition they rightly deserve.