How a Kansas Jayhawk rewrote the school's rushing record books
In short: Devin Neal didn't just play for the University of Kansas; he dominated. From a standout high school senior to a record-breaking collegiate star, his journey through the Big 12 led him to the NFL, proving that elite versatility is the ultimate weapon on the football field.
Devin Neal's ascent began at Lawrence High School, where he established himself as a premier talent. During his senior year, he amassed 1,327 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, earning a spot as a first-team Class 6A All-State selection. This performance led to his status as a four-star recruit, prompting him to choose the University of Kansas over offers from several major programs, including Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma State.
At Kansas, Neal became a historic force. His freshman season saw him become the first Jayhawk to win the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week. During his time there, he shattered records, specifically as the initial athlete in school history to achieve a single-game total of 200+ rushing yards and 100+ receiving yards. By the end of his collegiate career, he had set two significant school records: 4,343 career rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns, surpassing the previous marks held by June Henley.
Neal's transition to the professional ranks began in the 2025 NFL draft, where the New Orleans Saints selected him in the sixth round as the 184th overall pick. Following a $4,451,312 four-year deal signed on May 9, 2025, he notched his debut professional touchdown during a Week 14 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite facing injuries in 2026, his impact on the field remains a testament to the versatility that defined his record-breaking collegiate career.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Devin Neal
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