Report: Star RB Devin Neal returning to Kansas in 2024

Field Level Media|published: 12/26/2023, 8:46pm EST

Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) scores a touch down during the NCAA college football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. This is the Bearcats last game of the season, as well as their Senior Night Saturday. credits: Carter Skaggs/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Kansas Jayhawks got welcome news before playing UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Tuesday night in Phoenix, as star running back Devin Neal has told the coaching staff he will return to the team in 2024, ESPN reported.

An All-Big 12 second-team selection, the true junior (5-foot-11, 215 pounds) had been deliberating about declaring for the NFL draft.

In 12 games (10 starts) in the regular season, he has rushed for 1,209 yards and 15 touchdowns on 183 carries for an average of 6.6 yards per carry and 100.8 yards per game. He also caught 24 passes for 214 yards and one touchdown.

In 36 games (30 starts) over three seasons, Neal has rushed for 3,006 yards and 32 TDs on 521 carries. He ranks fifth in program history for career rushing yards and third in rushing TDs.

Neal, whose hometown is Lawrence, Kansas, would have a shot at becoming the Jayhawks' all-time leader, surpassing June Henley's 3,841 yards and 41 touchdowns.

The Jayhawks (8-4) were trying for their first bowl game victory since beating Minnesota 42-21 in the 2008 Insight Bowl. UNLV (9-4) has not won a bowl game since 2000.

—Field Level Media